Levi Freeman Boatright

October 30, 1930- May 31, 2012 Levi Freeman Boatright, Jr. quietly passed away on 05-31-12 while residing at Granada Skilled Nursing facility in Eureka. He was 87 years of age. Levi was born in Grape Creek, Texas, on October 30, 1924. He was the oldest of three children born to Levi Freeman Boatright Sr. and Eunice Vera Elizabeth Groves.

He had only an eighth grade education attending schools in the San Angelo, Texas, area. He began working at his uncle's and father's filling station at a fairly young age. Levi served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 4-08-43 through 3-19-46. He was a motor machinist's mate second class stationed out of Bremerton, Washington; ship's duty was convoy and patrol in the Aleutian Islands. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

He met his future wife, Alvina Clara Grace, during leave in the Portland, Oregon, area. Upon discharge from the service, Levi and Alvina were married (4-06-46), and moved to San Angelo, Texas, which was Levi's hometown. He returned to employment in his uncle's filling station. Both of their children were born in San Angelo. After several moves from Texas to the West Coast and back, they finally settled in Humboldt County in 1955.

He was employed by Simpson Timber at the Arcata Bottom mill from 1955 through 1989, retiring as a planer man at age 65. Levi was a hard worker and a good family provider. When at home, he would usually be found working somewhere inside or outside the house. With help from his father-in-law, he built the family home. He also dug the family well by hand, with Alvina dumping buckets of dirt that he was digging from the well and returning the bucket to him. Upon completion of the well, he ended up in the old Trinity Hospital in Arcata with double pneumonia from standing in the waist deep water for long lengths of time.

Levi most often stayed to himself, didn't interact much with others, and had few friends through the years. However, he had many hobbies during his life. He built and flew model airplanes, panned for gold, explored for uranium with his Geiger counter, tackled small woodworking projects, fished for salmon & trout, repaired broken TV sets, grew roses, immersed himself in lapidary work, and explored with metal detectors. In earlier years, he liked driving around on the weekends, reading comic books, and eating large Hershey candy bars.

After the kids left home, he and Alvina began enjoying short out-of-town trips and playing with their dogs. He later abandoned his love for Hershey candy bars in favor of Sjaak/Venlo soft centered chocolates. And all through life he enjoyed his naps. When Levi was 50, he began a walk with God that would forever change his life. He loved reading his Bible and Christian books, discussing what he read and his thoughts, listening to Christian music. Levi became fond of the Christmas song "Silent Night" as he grew older. He could be heard softly and quietly singing it to himself during the day after Alvina's death.

Levi was a participant at Mad River Adult Day Health. He became a resident at Granada Healthcare towards the end of his life, and loved sitting in his red lift recliner. During his stay at Granada, his attitude slightly shifted from one of rigidness to apologetic. Often he would say "I'm sorry that I'm so much trouble". He had a smile that said, "I love you". Many thanks to all those who took care of him including Hospice of Humboldt.

Levi is survived by his sister, Norma Nadine Byrne. He is also survived by his daughter, Athleen Grace Baker (Scott); and his son, Gary Levi Boatright (Joanna). He has six grandchildren: Israel David Widmark (Nitwitka), Aaron Levi Smith-Widmark (Danielle), Gary Levi Boatright II (Elizabeth), Dathan Ray Boatright, Michael Dariusz Boatright, and David Maciej Boatright. He has five great-grandchildren: Brandon & Jesse Widmark and Cora, Karly, & Taresa Smith-Widmark.

Levi was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years (Alvina died 12-02-04); his sister Christine Perrine; and his parents.

There will be a small memorial service in the chapel at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata on Thursday, 6-07-12, at 3:30 pm.

Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.