Richard (Rick) Lee Travis was born May 6, 1945 in Eureka, California to Bart and Helen Travis.
Rick grew up in Humboldt County and attended school in Fortuna. In high school he played sports and was recognized as a standout basketball player earning an all-state award.
After high school, Rick joined the Army where he served 3 years in Germany until he was injured and given an honorable discharge. While in the Army, he was a decorated as an expert rifleman and received a National Defense Service metal.
Shortly after returning home, Rick met the love of his life Florene (Babe) in Eureka, California in December of 1966. They married shortly thereafter on February 11, 1967 in Reno, Nevada. They traveled there with her sister Thelma and brother -in- law Mike. While obtaining the marriage license Florene realized she didn’t know his middle name or that he was two years younger. But, when you know, you know because they remained married for over 55 years. Rick and Florene raised two children, son Troy and daughter Krisie. They have 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Rick worked several jobs while obtaining two Associates Degrees, one in General Education and the other in Electronics. He later took a job working for the City of Crescent City Water Department where he worked for 22+ years. He also worked for United Indian Health Services for 3 years as a maintenance worker.
Rick had a passion for hunting since a boy with his dad. This is a passion he shared with his brother, wife Florene, his son Troy, grandchildren and other family. They went hunting and camping every year until this year. Deer camp will never be the same.
Rick also enjoyed working around the house, shooting gophers in the yard, traveling to Reno, playing bingo, loved the San Francisco Giants, the casinos and going to dinner with friends always with Babe by his side.
Rick passed away on October 22, 2022 at home with family. He was preceded in death by his dad Bart, and step-mom Mae, mother Helen and brother Ray.
Survivors include wife Florene, sister-in-law Billie Travis, Son Troy (Nicole), daughter Krisie, 11 grandchildren: Tyler (Amanda) Travis, Conrad Husted, Nolan Travis, Shaylee (Tim) Adams, Neela Travis, Deja Travis, Cadence Travis, Maya Travis, Conrad Travis, Damian Allen, Dylan Davis (Elisha). 21 great grandchildren: Tenley, Anthony, Trynity, Nalia, Nazea, King-son, Naa-Svt, Huntlee, Bowman, Ridge, Rougen, Rayden, Nilaya, Tyrone, Dezman, Damian Jr., Kenai, Kaison, Kalaya, Bronson and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers will Tyler Travis, Nolan Travis, Damian Allen, Dylan Davis, Conrad Husted, Tim Adams. Honorary pallbearers Lee, Prince, John Schiavone, Andy Whipple, Dewayn Walker, David Beasley, Chris Edwards, Lee Dutton, Wade Owen and Floyd Richards, Sr.
Immediately following services, family and friends are invited for a potluck at the Howonquet Indian Community Center.
In honor of Rick, please wear camouflage or San Francisco Giants apparel.