Trinity Alps Funeral Home

02/27/2026

Obituary For Vincent James Holson
Vincent James Holson, a Trinity County fishing guide who was best known among friends and colleagues as “Dr. Fish,” passed away on Feb. 14, 2026, at his home in Weaverville, California. He was 72.

Born in Gilroy, California, on Feb. 8, 1954, Holson spent his formative years working in agriculture and landscaping in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Trinity County in 1993. There, he pursued his passion for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman who, with characteristic mischievousness, would sometimes tell his pastor he couldn’t attend Sunday services because the fish were biting. To Holson, the towering pines and serene lakes and rivers of the Trinity Alps evoked their own spiritual wonder. “He’d say, ‘There’s nothing better than being on the water, or in the mountains at sunrise, and watching the world wake up,’” his wife, Louise, recalled.

In Weaverville, Holson initially worked for the county, but found purpose serving the community at Trinity Hospital in its skilled nursing facility. He had a knack for understanding the needs of older patients. On the Fourth of July, Holson and a team of volunteers would walk residents down to the main street to watch the parade, his wife said. Other times he took them fishing off a local pier or to a local salon to get their hair done. Almost every morning, he would gather a small crowd in the dining room and read the local newspaper to them. More recently, Holson worked for Caltrans and retired in 2019.

Fishing, though, was his first love and, in the early 2000s, he helped manage a sporting goods store where he educated scores of clients on the best rods and poles. He also became a fishing guide. Holson enjoyed teaching fathers how to fish on Trinity and Lewiston lakes as much as he enjoyed teaching their children. Families could fish together, he believed, long after they left his boat and returned to their homes. Holson would often say he wanted the dads to be the heroes of their kids’ stories.

In 2002, Holson wrote a monthly fishing column for The Trinity Journal where he dispensed life lessons with the same ease as he doled out news about the hottest fishing spot or what bait was best to catch a 20-inch trout. “Fishing, like anything else, is best done with an open mind and a little bit of patience,” he wrote in one of his columns. Sometimes, he added, a person needed to change tactics. He often ended his column with a piscine blessing: “May the Fish Gods look kindly upon you.”

Holson is survived by his wife, Louise, her nephew David Smith, his brother-in-law William Smith, and his seven siblings: Grace Malson, John Holson, his twin brother Michael Holson, Mary Connolly, Frances Hampton, Gondolfa Chavez and Laura Holson.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

02/27/2026

Obituary For James Jonathon Bell
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, James Jonathon Bell, on Feb. 3, 2026. He was 65. Leaving behind a legacy built not on wealth or status, but on the stories he shared, the generosity he exuded and a life spent loving with all he had.

Jim was born on Oct. 12, 1960, in Weaverville, California, to Harvey and Joyce Bell of Douglas City. His family moved to Trinity County in 1959 from Whittier, California. He attended Weaverville Elementary and Trinity High School. It would be there that he fell in love and married his high school sweetheart, Tina McMills, and they would go on to have three daughters. He started working with his father at the young age of 12 on the USFS trail systems. Along with his own construction company ventures, he continued to build trails and bridges all over the United States until his father’s passing in 2000. His absolute favorite place to be was out in nature getting his hands dirty and blazing a trail.

Jim leaves behind three daughters, Bridget Scribner (Adam), Melissa Bell and Jamie Bell; grandchildren Shawn, Brynn, Lexi, Addie, Luka and Kannon; mother Joyce Bell; sisters Jackie Bell and Jodie Bell; along with many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father John “Harvey” Bell and sister Laurie Bell.

Besides spending time with his family and friends, Jim found his greatest peace outdoors whether it be working or just enjoying the beauty of “God’s Country,” he loved using his creative mind for his art pieces and music truly lit his soul. You would never find our dad without some form of music blasting and him feeling every word. Our dad knew how to light up a room with his boisterous voice and his positive energy. A presence that will leave a lasting void.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Happy trails until we meet again!”

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Trinity Alps Restaurant & Lounge, 130 Golf Course Drive, Weaverville.

02/27/2026

Obituary For Donna Kay Teuscher
Donna Kay Teuscher (Hill), a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2026.

She was born on May 7, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Donna moved to California with her family when she was 15, where she soon met the love of her life, Roger Harding Teuscher.

Their 64-year love story began at a teen club in Fremont, California, when Donna was 16. Though she was there with his best friend, Roger fell in love at first sight; after a quick “date swap” with his friend, the two became inseparable. They married a year later.

Together, they built a life and raised their family in Fremont before retiring to Trinity County to live in the “dream home” they designed together.

A woman of deep faith, Donna loved the Lord and found great joy in studying God’s word. Her creativity knew no bounds; she was often found painting or crafting intricate jewelry to gift to those she loved. Whether she was taking family trips to Reno or simply spending quiet time at home, her greatest treasure was her family.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Roger; her daughter, Tina Renee Teuscher (Raymond Charles Driver); and her son, Billy Joe Teuscher (Melony Abajar Teuscher). Her legacy lives on through her granddaughters, Alicia Noelani Ferkey, Kahalani Nicole Hill and Danielle Jean Kell; her grandson Jacoby, as well as her five great-grandchildren, Amelia, Caelin, Charlotte, Max and Adelynn.

She will be greatly missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love.

02/27/2026

Obituary For Nikki Lynn Mitchell
It is with heavy hearts and abiding love that we announce the passing of Nikki Lynn Mitchell, a beloved mother, sister, friend and cherished member of her community. Nikki departed this world on Jan. 21, 2026, after courageously battling a sudden illness. She left us at the age of 66, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Born on a military base outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 3, 1959, Nikki was the beloved daughter of Lila Grace Coburn and Vernon Mitchell, and stepdaughter to the late John Noble Coburn. Her early years were filled with the warmth and values imparted by her loving family, shaping her into a woman of unwavering integrity and kindness.

Nikki was the proud mother of three wonderful children, Tony, Rachel and Michelle, whom she worked hard to support, love and cherish. She also shared a special bond with her siblings, her brother Tracy and his wife Kathy, and her sister Terrie and her partner Al. Her cherished friendship with Betty and Sandy was a testament to her loyalty and genuine spirit.

As a woman of exceptional intelligence and patience, Nikki built a thriving career. Over her impressive 20-year tenure, her resourcefulness and extensive knowledge in the medical billing sector led her to the role of accounting manager at Mountain Communities Healthcare District. While her professional acumen was widely recognized, it was her kind and generous spirit that truly resonated with colleagues across various departments, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. This is particularly evident in the strong connections she forged with her coworkers and patrons at The Nugget Restaurant, where she created lasting friendships.

Nikki’s commitment to her community was evident in her support of the Arbor Day Foundation and her enthusiasm for local children’s fundraising events, especially those benefiting the children of her dear friends and family. Nikki was a person of generosity and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.

Nikki’s love for reading and cooking was well-known. Her adventurous spirit in the kitchen delighted all who were privileged to share a meal with her. She took great pleasure in discovering and trying new recipes, an expression of her zest for life and her love for exploration.

Though her time on this earth was all too brief, Nikki’s legacy lives on through the love she instilled in her family and friends. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories woven with kindness, understanding and a profound appreciation for life’s simple joys. Her children and friends alike feel the profound loss of a wonderful person whom they cherished deeply.

As we mourn the loss of our dear Nikki, we also celebrate a life beautifully lived. A celebration of her life will be held, and those wishing to join in honoring her memory are invited to email celebration.of.life.nikki@gmail.com for further details.

In Nikki’s memory, let us carry forward her spirit of love and generosity, cherishing each moment and each other, just as she would have wanted.

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Thomas Prest on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, Super Bowl Sunday at the age of 85. He was at home with his wife and son Nick. His beloved 49ers were not in the game, so he saw no reason to stick around and watch it.

He was born in Everett, Washington, on Oct. 12, 1940, to George and Rena Prest. He was the third of eight children. His siblings were Loren, Naomi, Kathy, twins Michal Ann and Patrick, Arno and Nita. His family was in the logging industry and followed Martin Logging company from Washington to California.

Tom went to school in Washington, Willits, California, and then graduated from Trinity High School in 1959. In high school he played football, basketball, baseball and wrestled. He attended Taft College with a football scholarship. He married his high school sweetheart Lynn Grant on June 11, 1960. They were married for 65 years, raising three children in Weaverville.

Tom started out logging with his father and uncles. He then was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 29 years in fire suppression, fuels, timber and recreation. He helped build many of the campgrounds surrounding Trinity Lake. After retirement he delivered mail for the USPS to Lewiston, Douglas City, Hayfork and Hyampom. He also cut and sold firewood during this time.

He coached and played basketball with the Trinity Lakers and softball with Weaver City among many other teams in both sports. Tom traveled with the Weaver City softball team to Arnold, California, for 25-plus years. He coached Little League while his two sons were playing. He also coached a women’s softball team that his daughter played on. He coached a hardball team and for many years co-captained a men’s pool league team. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Ebbetts Pass #1123 and Lewiston #1850, ECV #62 and the Trinity County Historical Society.

He was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, except for his sister Kathy (Tommy) Bailey and brother Arno and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom is survived by his wife Lynn; children Tim (Kathleen), Nick, Becky (Chris) Madden; grandchildren Haley (Arthur), Kayla (Essam), Morgan (Sam), Beau (Lily), Tanner (Lupe), Chelsea (Daniel), Abby, and Cade; 10 great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

Tom is also survived by many, many close friends near and far. Also, his beloved dog Daisy that provided a lot of love and comfort during his illness. Daisy is currently sleeping with Tom’s slippers and 49er blanket.

We want to thank everyone that has been involved in Tom’s health care for the past few years.

Private graveside services and a celebration of life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trinity County Historical Society.

02/05/2026

In Loving Memory
Craig Vernon Houston Jr and Natalie Jewel Atlas Houston
Craig: December 26, 2006 – January 24, 2026 |
Natalie: December 16, 2002 – January 24, 2026
Craig Vernon Houston Jr. and Natalie Jewel Atlas Houston, beloved siblings, tragically passed away on January 24, 2026.
Craig was born in Eureka, California to Craig Houston Sr. and Samantha Cole. At age 3, he lived with his Aunt Nellie and Uncle Tim before joining Christopher and Jessica, who later adopted him.
He grew up in Redding, California, and visited family in Hoopa regularly. Funny, charming, and kind-hearted, Craig had a generous spirit that made him a friend to many. Cars were his passion, and he spent countless hours restoring vintage trucks. A 2025 high school graduate, Craig worked multiple jobs and loved to drive. He passed away suddenly at age 19.
Natalie was born in Red Bluff, California to the same parents. At age 7, she lived briefly with Aunt Nellie and Uncle Tim before joining Christopher and Jessica, who later adopted her. Growing up in Redding, California, Natalie touched the lives of many and cherished family connections, especially her grandmother Vera and her Hoopa relatives. Caring, sweet, funny, and social, she drew friends with her warmth. Natalie graduated high school and most recently worked as a caretaker, with plans to study cosmetology.
Gifted in makeup, hair, and photography, she passed away suddenly at age 23.
Craig and Natalie will be laid to rest alongside their father, Craig Houston Sr., and grandmother, Alvera Houston; proceeded in death great grandparents Elenor and Howard Ames, cousin Clifford Houston Jr. They are survived by their parents, Christopher and Jessica; siblings, Lola, Amelia, and Henry; Aunt Nellie and Uncle Tim, Uncles Cliff and Roger Houston, Loren, Kenny, and Jack Norton; Great Aunt Marcellene Norton; grandparents, Billy and Cindy; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends in Redding and Hoopa areas. Their sudden loss leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew them.
Pallbearers: Tyler and Logan Houston, Ivan Schreder, Clarence “CJ”, Howard, Matthew Lewis, Dana and Sherman Norton, Domonic and Winterhawk Obie, Michael Gabriel and Sons, Ralphy Peters, Johnny Ericson, Vermon “Muggins” Peters, William “Buck” Peters.
Honorary Pallbearers: Cliff and Roger Houston, Clarence “Sling” and Norman Sr. Lewis, Loren, Kenny, Jack Norton. Carlo Miguelena Sr., Boyd Ferris.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday February 5th, 2026 at 11am at the Hoopa Tribal Cemetery. Food reception will be held afterwards at the Hoopa Trading Post.

01/22/2026

John W. Kizziar, 83, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Hayfork on Jan. 12, 2026.

A graduate of Loma Linda School of Dentistry (1967), John served as a missionary in Okinawa, Japan, before settling in Hayfork in 1974.

For more than 50 years, he was Trinity County’s beloved dentist and a member of the Hayfork Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he led the Pathfinder Club for four decades. He also served as president of the Hayfork Cemetery Association.

He is survived by his wife and five children.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Hayfork High School gym.

01/22/2026

Patrick Allen Truman passed away on Nov. 25, 2025, in Weaverville, California. He was born Dec. 29, 1949, in Los Angeles, California.

Patrick moved to Trinity County in his early twenties to work for the U.S. Forest Service on the Pacific Crest Trail and made the area his lifelong home.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen (Cleaves), son Jason Fox, and brothers Robert and Mark. He is survived by his brothers Lawrence of Fallbrook, California, and Michael of Oceanside, California, along with nine nieces and nephews.

Patrick dedicated more than 35 years to conservation and public service in Trinity County and across California. He was the longest-serving board member of the Northwest California Resource Conservation and Development Council and had a long career with the Trinity County Resource Conservation District. He served four terms as president of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and represented the state on the National Association of Conservation Districts Board of Directors.

Patrick also worked in real estate with Trinity Alps Realty and Realty World and served on the Trinity County Association of Realtors.

Donations in Patrick’s name may be made to Trinity County (CA) Animal Shelter.

01/12/2026

Gerald Don “Jerry” Brasuell

Gerald Don Brasuell, known to all as Jerry, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2025, in Redding, California, at the age of 78.

Jerry was born on December 17, 1947, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Reba and Clayton Brasuell. During his early life, Jerry moved with his family from Fort Smith to Odessa, Texas, and later to California, living in Fresno, the Santa Clara Valley and Southern California, eventually graduating from Corona Del Mar School in Newport Beach.

Jerry proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He enlisted in the United States Navy and completed boot camp in the summer following his junior year of high school. After graduating, he was deployed to Southeast Asia, where he served one tour of duty aboard the Dixie-class destroyer tender USS Piedmont. Following his Navy service, Jerry continued his commitment to service by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

After completing his military service, Jerry began a distinguished career in the defense industry as an engineering technician working on control systems at Raytheon and, subsequently, Quantic Industries. He joined Systron Donner’s Inertial Division in Concord, California, in 1976, where his leadership, technical expertise and dedication earned promotions through engineering and management roles to become general manager, where he applied aerospace control systems to automotive braking control systems. He later served as vice president of Systron’s parent company, BEI Technologies, and retired from a successful and respected career in 2005.

In retirement, Jerry served with distinction on the Trinity County Grand Jury and the Mountain Community Healthcare District Board of Directors, including roles as foreman, board member, vice president and president, continuing his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.

Jerry lived life with curiosity, adventure and passion. An avid traveler, he visited over 40 countries and all 50 U.S. states, maintaining close friendships and professional relationships around the world, especially in Italy, Hungary and Germany. He loved quality family time with his wife, his three children and all his grandchildren, spending vacations and special occasions together. He loved the outdoors, devoting family vacations to camping, backpacking, whitewater rafting, canoeing and visiting national parks. A devoted father, he was actively involved in Boy Scouts as an adult leader, helping both of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jerry also had a lifelong love of classic cars, working on many over the years, including numerous Corvettes and 56/57 Chevys, a ’40s Ford Coupe and even a Facel Vega. At the time of his passing, he was proudly caring for an award-winning 1967 Chevelle Convertible.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Reba and Clayton Brasuell; his sister, Chloe Sanchez, and his brother, James Brasuell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Celeste Brasuell; his daughter, Andra Harris; his sons, James Brasuell and Daniel Brasuell; his brother, Clay Brasuell, and five grandchildren.

Jerry will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, curiosity about the world, love of family, kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to service. He built a legacy that lives in the hearts of all who knew him—as a husband, father, leader, mentor and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to The Nature Conservancy, reflecting his lifelong love of the outdoors. A memorial will be held at a later date for friends and family.

01/09/2026

Robert Balfour MacKenzie Jr., also known to his friends as “Mr. Mac,” passed away on at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Weaverville, California.

He was born on Feb. 25, 1938, in Akron, Ohio.

Bob attended Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, California, where he met his future wife, Sharon. He went on to the University of California at Berkeley and after Sharon graduated from Whittier College, they were married in 1959 and Bob began a career in manufacturing management, starting at Weber Aircraft in Burbank, California.

After the birth of their first son, Robert, he and Sharon moved to Whittier, California, where Bob was employed as an industrial engineer for the Sta-Hi Corporation, a manufacturer of newspaper machinery. When the Sta-Hi plant moved to Newport Beach, California, Bob and Sharon relocated to Diamond Bar, California, where their second son, David, was born.

Bob held a number of increasingly responsible positions at Sta-Hi and when the company was sold, he went to work for several additional firms in the Los Angeles area. He became plant manager for metal office furniture manufacturers InterRoyal Corporation and Holga Metal Products, vice president of Ultra Violet Products in San Gabriel and vice president, Operations for Windsurfing International in Marina Del Rey.

In 1981, after their sons had graduated from high school, Bob and Sharon decided to leave the Los Angeles area and seek out a small community in Northern California, ultimately settling in Weaverville, California. Sharon was hired as the principal of Weaverville Elementary School and Bob became the economic development agent for the Superior California Economic Development Corporation and subsequently became the executive director of Trinity Occupational Training, the federal job training program in Trinity County, prior to his retirement.

Bob loved being involved with his son’s activities and was a board member of Diamond Bar AYSO soccer, Diamond Bar Junior All-America Football and Diamond Bar Little League. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and served on the school district Committee for Academically Talented Children. He enjoyed reading, fishing, airplanes and watching football with his friends. A longtime member of the Rotary Clubs of both San Gabriel and Weaverville, Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow and developed the Rotary Club of Weaverville Scholarship program, serving as chairman for many years. He also established the Sharon MacKenzie Rotary Club Education Scholarship in memory of Sharon who preceded him in death in 2010 after almost 51 years of marriage.

Bob is survived by his sons Robert III and David; daughters-in-law Elyse and Cindy; four grandchildren, Sharilyn, Robert IV, Kelcie and Scot; and two great-grandchildren, RJ and Kennedy.

Interment will be in Weaverville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to the Rotary Club of Weaverville Scholarship Foundation.