Janet and Rick’s story began in Humboldt County, where they were both born and raised. They met as teenagers at South Fork High School and started dating in 1976. Both were active and athletic—Rick played football, basketball, and track, while Janet was a cheerleader and competed in volleyball, basketball, and track. Rick graduated in 1977 and Janet in 1979, and on August 11, 1979, they were married, beginning a life together built on love, hard work, and dedication to family.

They welcomed their first child on October 22, 1981, and over the years built a beautiful family with three children and five grandchildren. In 2003, they moved away from Humboldt County but continued to carry the strong values they grew up with. Rick began working at just 13 years old and never stopped, spending decades in logging, self-employed construction, hazardous waste work, and truck driving. He worked tirelessly—often 12 to 15 hours a day—always focused on supporting his family and saving so he and Janet could enjoy retirement together. Janet retired in 2018 after 15 years of helping others as a drug and alcohol counselor while receiving Social Security Disability.

On February 27, 2026, Rick passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. Earlier that very day, he told Janet, “I think I’ll live another 10 years.” Tragically, he passed that afternoon. Rick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and one of the hardest-working men you could know. This fundraiser is to help support Janet as she navigates this sudden loss and the difficult road ahead. ❤️