David Ivan Karlich

It is with the heaviest of heart that we must share the passing of David Ivan Karlich.

David was born March 25, 1968 and went home on October 10, 2020 at the age of 52, passing of natural causes.

Dave was born and raised in Humboldt County, but was a proud member of the Yakima Nation as well as his Croatian bloodline. He enjoyed everything Humboldt has to offer. He spent time as a boy scout, attended local schools, and graduated from Eureka High in 1986. At the early age of 5 he was introduced to abalone diving by his dad. Spending much of his time in Fort Bragg, he was a skilled free diver. This would be a passion for Dave his entire life, one he had hoped to pass down to his grandson. Diving was also where he would find his most peace.

Another skill acquired from his father was that of woodworking. Dave became quite the craftsman — from the simplest of shelves to the most intricate of jewelry boxes, each piece was beautiful. As a perfectionist they could be nothing other than the best. When he was young boy he enjoyed motorbike racing, later taking an interest in bicycles. When he was 20 he competed in the “Death Ride” in Lake Tahoe — this would be one of his proudest accomplishments.

He loved to hunt and fish, but for Dave fishing became more than a hobby. While he did work in a variety of jobs over the years, the longest and most enjoyed was commercial fishing. He even spent some time in Alaska doing just that. An avid Steelers fan, he chose his team as child because he liked their colors. He remained a loyal fan to the end.

And certainly we cannot forget to include his love of cooking — seafood being the favorite , especially crab. Dave was a great cook and always made enough to share with friends. David never missed an opportunity to cook or fish with his dad. His folks were truly his best friends.

David is survived by his parents Joan and Tony Karlich of Eureka; his sister Hila Russell, her husband Rick Russell,  of Redding; his niece Taelor Russell and nephew Trevor Russell; his “wonder woman” Cindy Shively, who is very much a second sister; wife Alice Karlich; stepdaughter Elsie Warren; stepson Will Warren; grandson Bodhi, of whom he was so proud, and a new grandson, Shannon, who will sadly never get to play with grandpa the Bee. Lastly by numerous friends who were like family — Gwyn, Tommy, Andrew, Gavin, Kerry and Jeff, only to name a few.

Dave was a special man, quite charming and charismatic. He knew many and would talk to all. A genuinely kind and generous person who had love for so many. He is going to be greatly missed

Interment will be held Monday October 26, 2020 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park on Broadway in Eureka. Due to the recent COVID situation, we must limit those who attend to the closest of friends and of course family. We know many of you will be there in spirit.

A celebration of life will be given on his 53rd Birthday in March 2021. We hope everyone who was ever a part of David’s life will attend.