Eric Alvin "Rick" Himes

Eric "Rick" Alvin Himes, the youngest of three children, was born to Donn and Margaret Himes on May 23, 1947, in Altadena, California. He passed away on January 22, 2024, in Yreka, California, at the age of 76. After graduating from Arroyo High School in 1965, Eric proudly joined and served in the United States Air Force from August 22, 1966, to June 12, 1970. He was stationed at the Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany, where he served as a Fire Protection Specialist & Alarm Room Operator. Following his military service, Eric worked as a CO installer, then becoming a lineman for the General Telephone Company in San Fernando. Later Eric pursued a career as a Radiation Therapy Technologist and Radiologic Technologist at various medical facilities including Huntington Memorial Hospital and City of Hope Medical Center. Moving to Siskiyou County in 1988, Eric worked at both Siskiyou General Hospital, and Fairchild Medical Center until his retirement. Outside of work, Eric enjoyed various hobbies such as painting incredible works of art, riding his bike, hiking and lifting weights, reading, working on cars, gardening, electrical work, investments, as well as collecting and shooting guns. Eric met Marilyn in the fall of 1992 and they loved each other every day for 32 years. What began as a friendship turned into a beautiful love story. A loyal life partner, Eric never left the side of Marilyn as she took her final breath and the moment she did his heart broke. We take comfort that the two are once again together, having only been apart for six months and one day. One of his favorite hobbies was being a taste tester for Marilyn's baked goods. Weekly "Walton" dinners spent at Marilyn's home were the highlight of our week together. Dinners were filled with delicious food, stories of a life well lived and lots of laughter. All of Eric's free time was happily spent with his family, especially his grandkids, Kaedon and Annabella. The love and dedication Eric had for his family was evident in his every day. Eric was the best Grampie. He was present at their births, and active in their lives attending baseball games, cross country and track meets, dance recitals and graduations. Not having "Grampie" in their future milestones leaves a void that will not be filled. Eric leaves behind his daughter Kim Wheeler of Yreka, grandson Kaedon Robustellini of Shasta Lake, and granddaughter Annabella Robustellini of Yreka; brother Gary and wife Marilyn of Idaho; niece Kris Davis and her children Ryan and Haleigh; niece Joelle and husband Randy along with their children Melina and Makayla; niece Barbie Burgess her husband Billie and their two children Blake and Brianne. Eric is preceded in death by his father Donn Himes, mother Margaret Himes, sister Patricia Medeiros, and the love of his life Marilyn Wheeler. A full military honors service will be held on Friday, April 5th, at 10:00 at the Veterans' Section in the Evergreen Cemetery in Yreka. A reception will follow at his daughter's home, 756 Meadowlark Lane in Yreka. Girdner Funeral Chapel and Veterans' Services of Siskiyou County, is assisting with the arrangements.

Eric Alvin "Rick" Himes

May 23, 1947 - January 22, 2024