Richard Paul Etcheverry: Veteran, Long-time Humboldt County Resident

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Richard Paul Etcheverry, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024, at the age of 97 in Roseburg, Oregon. He was born on August 2, 1926, in San Mateo, California. He attended St. Matthews Elementary School and San Mateo High School until his senior year when he transferred to Commerce High School in San Francisco where he graduated six months early in February 1944. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy at age 17 instead of being drafted into the Army at age 18.   Richard served in the Navy during World War II serving in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged in June 1946. 

After returning home from the war Richard embarked on his career in Real Estate with State of California Division of Tax Deeded Lands in Sacramento. While working, he attended night school for two years at UC California to earn his certificate in Real Estate Practice, Law, and Appraisal. His work with Tax Deeded Lands required much travel throughout the state of California. He decided when his oldest daughter was school age to settle down in one place so she could attend school on a regular basis. Richard then went to work in Redwood City as a Title Officer for California Pacific Title Insurance. In 1967 Richard wanted a different lifestyle away from the crowded Bay Area and long commute to work, moving to Ettersburg in Humboldt County, California, to follow his dream of sheep ranching. He soon found out the sheep ranch didn’t provide the income he expected and went to work as a Title Officer in Eureka, California where he worked until 1980. He then decided to work closer to home and took a job as a bookkeeper for Bob McKee at Whitethorn Construction until he retired in 1989. In addition to bookkeeping, he helped Bob with real estate transactions. After retirement Richard moved back to Eureka, California where he enjoyed the company of friends at Humboldt Senior Center and for several years was a member of Goldenaires, singing at several local venues during the holidays. Richard loved to plan and map out many road trips, many of them for more than a month at a time. He traveled by car all over the United States sightseeing, hiking, and exploring each destination. He traveled to Europe, by himself at almost 93 years old, making many friends along the way.

He was preceded in death by: Mother, Margaret Meyer Greer; Father, Walter Etcheverry, Sr; Brother, William (Sonny) Etcheverry; Brother, Walter J. Etcheverry; Companion, Barbara Denny; Granddaughter, Misty Cooper; Son in Law, Ray Lindberg; He is survived by Children: Margaret (Joe) Spatafore, Teresa Lindberg, Yvonne Moffett, Giselle Espinoza, Celeste Etcheverry (Scott Greenhow), Mary Cooper, Donna (Bill) Hollenshade, Diane (Jim) Cralle. Grandchildren: Joey Spatafore, Tricia (Mike) Rodriguez, Crystal (Jan) Dieffenbach, Stacie (Paul) Cabral, Nicolas Espinoza, Heather Espinoza, Martin Cooper, Anthony Boyd, Jon (Jamie) Boyd, Ben Boyd. Great Grandchildren: Kayla Rodriguez, Amber Dieffenbach, Emily Dieffenbach, Breanna Uyeno, Brandon Uyeno, Otto Boyd, Taylor Boyd, Hunter Boyd. Great Great Granddaugher: Penelope Uyeno.

Graveside service will be held at Oceanview Cemetery, Eureka, CA on October 19, 2024, at 10:00 am.