Richard Alvin Head

Richard Head Obituary

Richard Alvin Head was born November 9, 1944, in Berkeley, to the late Ruby and Bert Head. He passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2004, at his home in Ferndale.

Richard was raised in Eureka and graduated from Eureka High, class of 1962. He also graduated from Heald Business College in San Francisco. He lived most of his life in Humboldt County, where he was a property manager until his retirement. Then he and LaDonna moved to Ferndale to live on property once owned by his great-grandparents, Martin and Philomena Ambrozini.

Richard’s passion was the river, and finding the fish that were in it. From his childhood on the Eel River with his father until the day before his death, he was out there after the perfect fishing hole. To the delight of many hundreds of people, he shared his best-kept secrets of the stream on his guided tours of the Eel and then the Klamath Rivers.

Richard is survived by his wife, LaDonna; daughter, Tina of Angels Camp; adopted son, Earl of Ruth; brother, Tom of Eureka; sister, Barbara of Philo; nephew, Jonathan Wentzel of Philo; and niece, Monique Wentzel of Boston, Mass.

Friend to many, loving husband, father, and brother, the legendary fisherman has cast his line for the last time.

Friends are invited to attend memorial services on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Goble’s Chapel, Fortuna, with Mr. Floyd Kasper and Mr. Leonard Henderson officiating.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard on Jun. 16, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Head

12 Entries

Cindy Olsen

June 29, 2004

Dearest LaDonna- Jack and I are so sorry to hear about Richard. We enjoyed the time that we had with both of you at the Rotary function and will always remember his smile and gentleness. I don't have your telephone number and want to contact you. Call me when you're up to it. If there's anything that you need, please call me.

Cindy

Russ and Joan Lee

June 24, 2004

Dear LaDonna and Family, We were shocked and saddened by Richard's death. Our thoughts went to Phillipsville when Russ worked down there, our stay at your park, our visits to your store and home, etc., they definitely made our time more enjoyable. We're so very sorry for your loss and extend our heartfelt sympathy. Russ and Joan

Sam Dinsmore

June 18, 2004

To the family of Richard Head. Very

sorry to hear and read of his unexpected passing. Rich had a "zest" for life that was a joy

to be around. We go back to Eureka

on "G" St. when we could walk down

the alley. His outlook and ability

to be helpful and friendly was a

rare trait, which we all will remember Rich for. His family should

be proud of the contribution he made to Humboldt County. Rich will

be missed.

Ava Sandberg

June 18, 2004

Dear LaDonna, I was very shocked and sorry to hear of Richard's sudden death. Please know that many are sharing your sorrow. I have such wonderful memories of the New Year's parties at Hartsook Inn and remember what a great host he was. I am very saddened that we have lost another beloved member of our great class of '62. He will be missed.

Loreen & Gary Eliason

June 17, 2004

I will always remember how gracious and helpful Richard was when I first bought the Riverwood Inn. All the times he would let us get ice from his machine when ours broke down, which was every holiday, special event, Redwood Run and New Years. To LaDonna and to Earl and the rest of the family, our sympathies and prayers are going out for all of you.

JOESPH&JEANNE MENDES

June 17, 2004

Dear Ladonna & Family, We are so very sorry to hear OF your loss We are really going to miss Richard he was such a great friend We have many fond memories Love & Prayers Joseph & Jeanne Mendes

Greg & Julia Smith

June 16, 2004

Dear LaDonna. Greg and I were stunned to hear of your loss. It has been some time since we saw you last...but we have thought of you often as we spent many a happy hour in your home. We will not be able to make the service, but we will be thinking of you with love and sympathy. Greg & Julia

Paul Nicklas

June 16, 2004

LaDonna, Barbara, Tom and the rest of the family:

Oh my God! I was not in anyway as close to him as you, but I can not remember a time in my life when I did not enjoy his smile and especially appreciate his presence........going back to age 9 in 1956. What a loss to all of us! I am stunned with grief over our loss. A part of the joy of our life, Richard has passed away. We will all miss him.

Chris (Kit) Corbin

June 16, 2004

LaDonna, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We thank you and Richard for our wonderful New Years parties at Hartsook. The class of 62' will miss Richard as will Paulette and I. He was always a lot of fun and loved life....He will surely be missed. We will not make the service on Thursday but will be there in spirit. Richard will be getting our party house in order where we all will be together again..... Our Love, Kit and Paulette Corbin.....

Judy and Randy Ford

June 16, 2004

LaDonna and Family:

So very sorry and shocked to hear about Richard.

I have always felt like Richard was

another brother, being he has been

close to Johnny and our family for so long.

So sorry we will be unable to come to his services, but please know

our hearts and thoughts are with you,Tina, and Tommy.

Richard will be missed by many....

Judy and Randy

JERRY AND ROSALIND PERINO

June 16, 2004

LADONNA AND TINA, SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RICHARD. WE CAN STILL SEE HIM AT THE STORE ALWAYS EXCITED ABOUT FISHING AND READY TO GO. WE WILL REMBER HIM. THE ONES WHO BROUGHT YOU OLIVES. PERINO'S FROM GILROY

Lois Thomas

June 15, 2004

To LaDonna and Richards Family, Richard will be remembered as a very caring and friendly person,He touched so many people, He always had a smile and was always so gracious. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was my sons very best friend. May God be with you and comfort you. Love to you , Lois and Kent Thomas

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