William Herbert "Billy, Lil Bill" Boak Jr.

William Herbert Boak, Jr., “Billy”, “Lil Bill”

June 7, 1978 - June 16, 2009

William Herbert Boak, Jr. left us unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, June 16, 2009 at the age of 31.

His death has caused a lot of sorrow in the hearts of all those who loved him so, but assuredly he is at home now with his Lord Jesus Christ, completely free of his burdens and physical pain.

Billy spent most of his life in the woods, logging for his grandfather, Bill Boak of McKinleyville, with whom he had special admiration for. Billy was an excellent heavy equipment operator, who knew his way around the machines. He attributes most of his knowledge to his father. Among the many jobs he did, he ran a fellerbuncher, yarder, delimber, cat, and log loaders of all kinds. He was quick and tireless with a chainsaw. He had tremendous skill and physical strength. His equipment and vehicles were always clean and well-maintained, as he took pride in keeping them that way. His employers include Boak Logging, Co., Inc.*, NorthCoast Fabricators, Steve Wills Trucking and Logging, Wendt Construction, Bundy and Sons Logging*, Kernen Construction, Zuber Logging, and he also volunteered for a short time at Fortuna Adult Day Health Services.

Anyone who knew Billy knew that he was not the easiest person to get along with sometimes, and sometimes he was; but you could not help but be affected by him. He was always making new friends and rekindling old friendships.

The children just flocked to Billy whenever he came around, knowing he would have a smile and special words for them, something that would always make them laugh.

His favorite places in the whole world were Ma’s house, Bear River, Redwood Valley, Baldy’s, eeling on the Klamath, Crannell timber land, and anywhere that he was hunting, fishing, or with his nephews.

Billy was married on August 18, 2001 to Jennifer Alta Hetrick. They were separated at the time of his death. His marriage to Jennifer was tumultuous. They loved each other very much, but could never work out their differences. Some of the best times of his life, however; times when he was the happiest and most fulfilled; were during his days as a husband and a father.

On Christmas Day, 2001, his daughter Elizabeth Irene Boak was born, and he always said that was the happiest moment of his life.

William Herbert Boak, Jr. was preceded in death by his cousin; Cheryl Yarbrough, his beloved grandfather; John Davis “Pap”, and his younger sister; Melanie Boak. Melanie’s passing affected him the most, as she left a huge hole in his big heart.

Billy left behind a large family, most importantly his two daughters, Amelia Boak (Mia) “Bones” age 11, Elizabeth Boak (Lizzy) “Ed” age 7, and his beloved nephews; Jacob and Nathaniel Boak, to whom he was like a dad. He also leaves his wife Jennifer Boak, his beloved mother; Sandra Boak, who was constantly trying to keep him in line, father; Bill Boak Sr., sister; Heather Boak, sister; Natalie Conley, sister; Patricia Townsend , their families and loved ones, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Davis family and the Boak family, mostly of McKinleyville.

He will be especially missed by his cousins; Kenny Davis, Jr. “Bay”, Ted Yarbrough, Jr. “Teddy”, R. Craig Cornelson, III. “Craigey”, and John Davis III, “Johnny”.

He will be especially missed by his grandmother; Pauline Davis, “Ma”, whom he loved and respected dearly.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 29th at 2:00 pm, at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata where he will be laid to rest.

Daddy, we love you and will always hurt for you and miss you.

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