William Leslie Hebard: ‘a true mountain man’

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William Leslie Hebard, fondly known by friends and family as Burgie Bill, passed away suddenly at his home in Southern Humboldt county, California on January 29th 2025.

Bill was born in Roseburg Oregon July 10th 1950 to William Leslie Hebard Sr. and Pat-Calista Hebard.

At an early age, his family moved to Eureka California where he became a fisherman and a bass player. As a teenager, he and his best friend formed a band and performed throughout Humboldt county. In the most recent years, Bill was a member of a local band called the Breakers. He was very proud to contribute his own songs, one which was titled “I’m just a man” which he performed with his good natured sense of humor.

Burgie Bill was a true mountain man, and an avid outdoorsman his entire life.

His professions, talents and hobbies were many, including being a trapper, a hunter, a logger, a commercial fisherman, a gardener, and a gold miner to name a few.

In the early 1970’s, Bill became a member of the Shelter Cove “Mosquito Fleet”, commercial fishing for salmon, tuna and crab on his boat the Burgie, from which he got his name, Burgie Bill. He fished the Cove for over forty-five years until he retired in 2022.

Bills life was one of profound love, adventure, laughter, and freewheeling. He was kind, caring, articulate, and funny. He was always willing to help out a friend or neighbor in need and wouldn’t hesitate to give a hitchhiker a ride or pull over to help someone with car trouble.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of his witt, compassion, dedication and his love for music and adventure that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
We will all miss you Bill.

He is survived by his long-time companion Diane Brown; his dad, Papa Jon Mell Sr. brother Jon Mell Jr. sisters Wendy Starr (Hebard) and Carla Jean Hanson (Hebard); his five children, Jeff Hebard, Carrie (Hebard) McMahon, Cory Hebard, Chelsea Hebard and Billy Hebard; his six grandchildren, Lacie, Pakal, Shayla, Wyatt, Avalyn and Ellianna.

A celebration of life will be held in Shelter Cove. Date and time to be announced.