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Josh Sinoway Obituary
Josh Sinoway was born on March 20, 1978, in San Francisco and grew up in the Salmon Creek Community of Southern Humboldt. He graduated from South Fork High School and went on to UC Santa Cruz and Humboldt State Universities where he studied political science.
Josh will be remembered as a person with a vibrant spirit who had tremendous creativity and was passionate about his many interests. He was a master wordsmith and gifted writer. An avid sports fan, Josh played baseball, basketball and soared like a bird on the ski slopes.
His sister, Hannah, remembers a shared childhood of constant laughter, pranks and ongoing creative silliness. He is also remembered as being kind and sensitive to others, especially to those who were vulnerable.
A man of strong political and social beliefs, he worked in various organizations as an advocate for social justice. Josh struggled with bipolar disorder, which prevented him from manifesting his vast potential and pursuing his deep desire to facilitate positive change in society. Josh died from complications of his disease.
Josh’s immediate family includes his sisters, Hannah and Leslie and his parents, Ron and Molly.
Donations in Josh Sinoway’s name can be sent to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - Humboldt at P.O. Box 1225, Eureka, CA 95502, ph: 707-444-1600, www.nami-humboldt.org. An open house to honor the memory of Josh Sinoway will take place on Saturday, August 23 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the family home. Call Jonell at 496-3027 or Rae at 943-3449 for information.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josh Sinoway
cindy siemens
September 15, 2008
I've known josh over 10 years watching as he matured into a fine man. We spent hours talking, debating, him coming to grips with living life on life's terms. Many other hours were spent with him just hanging out in my office while I worked. He said he felt comfortable there. I miss him dearly. He could make me laugh til I cried, irritate me, challenge me, worry me, make me proud and give me hope that he would do well. Above all, he insisted on being known, touching & affecting others, on reaching out for love and returning love in kind. I am grateful to have known him.
cindy siemens
September 15, 2008
I've known josh over 10 years watching as he matured into a fine man. We spent hours talking, debating, him coming to grips with living life on life's terms. Many other hours were spent with him just hanging out in my office while I worked. He said he felt comfortable there. I miss him dearly. He could make me laugh til I cried, irritate me, challenge me, worry me, make me proud and give me hope that he would do well. Above all, he insisted on being known, touching & affecting others, on reaching out for love and returning love in kind. I am grateful to have known him.
Cindy Siemens, mckinleyville
cindysiemens.com
Linette Bourassa
August 25, 2008
What a shock to read of Josh's death. Please accept my condolences. No parent should have to suffer such pain. My soul hurts for your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Derek Crews
August 24, 2008
Dear Sinoway family, I wanted to let you all know that you have my deepest sympathy. I got to know Josh when he was in junior high school. Josh wasn't tall or fast but he was smart and always listened, and worked hard to become better. As I think of Josh I think of the other young men that I got to coach. It makes me reflect on how we should tell people how much they mean to us all the time.
Sincerely.Derek Crews
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Mike Kutchan
August 24, 2008
Hi Ron and Molly,
What a shock. I met Josh, on only one occasion. You all came to our house in Bend for dinner. We played darts and had a great time. He was a joy to be with as I remember him. I am at a bit of a loss for words here, so I will just sign off. You will all meet again in Heaven.
Sincerly,
Mike and Renee
Mneesha Gellman
August 23, 2008
Dear Molly, Ron, and Hannah,
I want to express my most sincere condolences about Josh. There is no easy solution, no words that can change what has happened, but I just wanted to say that your community is here for you. Today, as you open your home in remembrance of Josh, I hope the power of that community is strong enough to hold you all through this, to support you and let the abundance of love in the relationships you have cultivated shine forth. I am sorry I am not able to be there in person, but my thoughts are with you.
with much love,
Mneesha
Shirley Foster
August 23, 2008
I was so sad to learn of Josh's passing. I had the honor of being his teacher at South Fork. In class discussions and in private conversations, it was always a challenge to keep up with his brilliant thoughts and fast-moving mind. He wrote beautifully! It was a privilege to read his work. I feel that Josh enriched my life.
Mollie, Ron, Hannah and family, please know that you are in my thoughts. Josh will always be a part of my heart.
Mike & Norma Martin
August 23, 2008
Ron, Molly & Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. My heart aches for your loss. With great sympathy,
Carl Brandt
August 22, 2008
Josh was a delight to be around, and I consider him a great friend.
I met Josh while working as a guard at the courthouse, and he came in quite often and sat with me at my post to talk and discuss many issues. Josh was a very intelligent young man and will be missed greatly.
John Meyer
August 22, 2008
I first knew Josh as a brilliant, engaging, likeable, and passionate student in my classes. He took ideas seriously; he followed up on questions from class; he was always looking for more to read, for a deeper understanding, and for ways to make the world a better place. Only later did I come to know of Josh’s struggle with his disease. It was painful to witness his struggle – even from a distance. Yet through it all, I’m thankful that Josh would come back to visit me and others here at the University. His passions, his interests, and his brilliance were always evident. Today, my colleagues and I in the HSU Department of Politics took a moment to remember Josh and wish to convey our sadness and to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Leah
August 22, 2008
When ever something was going on in school i.e. walkout or stand up for your rights Josh was in the lead. He could always put a smile on my face when I was down. Thank you for being a great friend Josh. You will be missed.
Class of 1996
Laurel Gilkerson
August 22, 2008
Josh deeply touched my life in the short time I knew him. Although he struggled sometimes with loneliness and his illness, the purity of his heart and his good intentions is what made him stand out. I know he brought joy to many people's lives...probably even more than he knew. He was always kind to me, always asked me how my day was, and tried to make conversation. I miss the days when he would come visit me on my breaks at work, or just coming home and seeing him outside our building. He taught me a lot about compassion; how importrant it is to not judge, to not put someone else in a box without listening to them and giving them a chance. He taught me that life is precious and that sometimes all you need is a friend to help you get through the rough days. I wish I could have been an even better friend to Josh, but I know my memories of him will help his spirit move on to a happier place. His smile, his humor, and his genuine desire for others to love him is what I will hold onto. Josh, I know right now you are surrounded by all the things that made you happy...all the things you strived for in your life. I will miss you more than you know...but I know when the sun comes out that you're here all around us.
My heart goes out to Josh's family and to all the people who's lives Josh touched.
Jennifer Sanford
August 22, 2008
Molly, Ron, Hannah, & Leslie--
Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of your great loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I had known Josh, but I have much more of a sense of him in reading the obituary. Molly, if I can be of any help whatsoever please do not hesitate to let me know. My best to the whole family.
Shelly Fitzgerald
August 22, 2008
We will miss you at the Hope Center, Josh. God Bless.
Mollie Brown
August 22, 2008
Josh was a man who could bring a smile to your face and make you see there was alot to be glad about. He always treated people with respect and care. He will be deeply missed.
Jennifer Chaffin
August 22, 2008
I had the privilege of knowing Josh for many years. I will never forget his kind heart, his witty sense of humor or the great big smile he gave so often. We shared the same alma mater, and would talk about our experiences of living in Santa Cruz and being banana slugs. I was always impressed with his fierce determination to fight the challenges he was faced with and the passionate way he approached life. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, he will be so very missed.
Virginia Strout
August 22, 2008
I do not know if you remember me or not but my name is Virginia Strout I worked at the court with Sandy Hardy. I was so sad to hear about your son and wanted to let you know that I am thinking about all of you. I know there is really nothing I can say at this point to ease the pain but wanted you to know that I am thinking about you.
Barbara Caldwell
August 22, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the news of Josh's passing. For a brief time this year he was a volunteer with the Humboldt County Chapter of the Red Cross. We all cared for him deeply. We saw and talked with him about his struggles. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and really contributed to the chapter when he could. Blessings to his family.
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