Trinity Alps Funeral Home

01/19/2026

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.

01/09/2026

Terry Edward Gustine passed away on Nov. 17, 2025, at home at the age of 85.

Terry was born on Aug. 3, 1940, in Pine Island, Minnesota, to Edward and Georgia Gustine. He was the eldest of three sons and grew up alongside his brothers, Larry Gustine of Michigan and Edward Gustine of California.

In 1944, the Gustine family moved to Fallbrook, California. As a teenager, he worked at the San Marcos Airport earning just twenty-five cents an hour, carefully saving every dollar to pay for flight lessons and flying time. His dedication paid off when he completed his solo flight for his private pilot’s license on his 16th birthday, Aug. 3, 1956 — an achievement that marked the beginning of a lifelong love of aviation.

In 1967, Terry earned his Federal Communications Commission license verification card. He worked at several stations, including Channel 10 in San Diego where he worked 22 hours in one day covering the assassination of Sen. Robert F Kennedy in 1968.

His professional career later led him into creative and technical innovation, and he became vice president of Creative Development for Lens Crafters in Escondido, California, a position he held until 1977. During this time, Terry was a key contributor to the development of production machinery for contact lenses. This highlighted his creativity, eye for detail and problem-solving skills.

Terry eventually founded Gustine Interior Woods, beginning with finish carpentry and expanding into custom cabinetry and interior woodwork. He obtained his contractor’s license in 1979 and quickly became known as a master craftsman. His work was highly respected and sought after in Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Valley Center and later in Lewiston, California, where Terry and Carol moved in 2004.

Although they intended to retire in Lewiston, his passion led him to promptly build a new cabinet shop so he could continue doing the work he loved.

Throughout his life, Terry embraced the outdoors and creativity in all its forms. His hobbies included flying, surfing, desert camping, off-road adventures in his Jeep, fishing and simply spending time outside. He was deeply creative and artistic, always building, painting and working with his hands. Terry had a genuine love for his dog Lewis.

He had a generous spirit which he shared with the community upon moving to Lewiston, active in fundraising for the Lewiston Sparkies and he was the creator and builder of Santa’s sleigh which has been used in the bridge lighting events.

Terry was married to Carol Gustine, for 49 years. He had three daughters: Shawn Gustine Roessler (Brian), Tasha Gustine Bintliff (Mark), and Terra Gustine Squibb (Michael). Terry had seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a skilled craftsman, an innovator and a man who lived life with passion, creativity and heart.

01/04/2026

Obituary For David Ross Beans
David Ross Beans, 87, of Weaverville, passed away on Dec. 21, 2025, at his home of 46 years — fulfilling his wish to pass peacefully while at home on his property and in his house of many years’ loving work, into his home in Glory.

David was born on May 20, 1938, to Wesley and Florence Beans in Los Angeles, California. After high school, he completed a college degree in forestry from Humboldt University and began working for the Forest Service.

In 1960, David met Carolyn Lemke at Red’s Meadow Campground while he was working a summer contract with the Forest Service. Their first date was a 20-mile hike in the Sierra Nevada, characterizing the steadfastness and determination that their relationship thereafter would have. Their friendship would last for life and they were soon married on Jan. 22, 1961. David and Carolyn went on to have three children, Alan, Daniel and Heidi. They remained loyal and affectionate, loving each other deeply for their 64 years of marriage — forging a strong legacy of commitment and care.

In 1963, David moved his growing family to Trinity County, living first in Hayfork, then Weaverville where he would put his roots down for the rest of his life. He transitioned from the Forest Service to working for Trinity County — continuing there for 27 years.

In 1989, David retired and spent his time working his acreage on Oregon Mountain, planting and tending his evergreen tree farm, taking daily strolls with his German shepherd dog, working for 22 years as executive director of the Trinity County Food Bank, making Meals on Wheels deliveries, singing hymns with residents in the Trinity Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility, faithfully attending Weaverville Church of the Nazarene, actively involved in the Golden Age Center events, enthusiastically savoring time with family, loving and caring for people — eating shared meals, talking, laughing and hugging everyone like close friends — and in the end dedicating his time and attention to care for the love of his life, Carolyn.

David was so servant-hearted and involved in his community, it’s hard to list everything he contributed.

David is survived by his wife Carolyn; brother Larry (Ellen); children Alan (Paula), Daniel (Sheree) and Heidi (Robin); nine grandchildren, Ashley, Stacey, Joshua, Ryan, Nicole, Kyla, Lyndsey, Madelyn and Gregory; and seven great-grandchildren, as well as a close community of friends and neighbors who he wholeheartedly served to the very last.

Services will be held at the Weaverville Church of the Nazarene at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Join his family in celebrating and continuing his legacy.

11/20/2025

A memorial for Perry Steele will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 109 Memorial Drive, Weaverville.

11/13/2025

It is with sincere regret that we record the passing of Gregory Medina Solis, aged 82, of Douglas City, California, that took place at 2:56 a.m. Oct. 14, 2025.

Gregory was born on Sept. 18, 1943, at 5:28 a.m. in Santa Ana, California, to his parents, Carolina Medina Solis and Gregory A. Solis. He attended Edison Elementary School and later played high school football for the Saints at Santa Ana High School, where he graduated in 1961. After graduation, he attended Santa Ana College and played with the Dons, contributing to their victory in the final official Junior Rose Bowl in 1962.

From a young age, Gregory demonstrated leadership, character and faith. He was a proud Boy Scout and a young study of his Bible, carrying the values of honesty, service and compassion with him throughout his life.

Gregory was a remarkably dedicated man who wore many hats throughout his life. At the age of 20, he began a career in the aerospace industry that would span 37 years. As an aircraft quality control manager, he took great pride in ensuring that no part passed inspection unless it met the most exacting standards. Gregory was highly respected in his field for his integrity, meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to aviation safety — a calling he embraced after losing friends who had joined the service.

On June 15, 1975, Gregory married his beloved wife, Cheri Anne, in Long Beach, California, a marriage that flourished for 50 years. Greg and Cheri were not only partners in life but true friends. Together, they shared a love for gardening, tending to their plants side by side up until just a week before he entered the hospital for the final time.

Upon relocating to Trinity County, Gregory joined the Road Department, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2009. Everything he undertook, he did with precision, pride and ingenuity.

Gregory was an extraordinary father, devoted and steadfast in caring and providing for his family. Together with his wife, Cheri, he raised three children — Andres, Chenoa and Cheyenne — with warmth, humor and unwavering dedication. He cherished every family tradition and took joy in making others laugh. Whether through his lighthearted spirit, or willingness to be a little silly, Gregory had a special gift for brightening the room and filling it with laughter.

He was deeply involved in his children’s lives — coaching as an AYSO soccer coach for eight years, attending sporting events and supporting dance performances. This extended beyond his own family; he had a special way of accepting and including his children’s friends. Gregory was also a devoted grandfather to Hailey, Xzavier, Max, Gage, Saoirse and Mary. His kindness, patience, and lighthearted spirit made him a cherished figure in their lives.

His love for animals was also evident from childhood. Over the years, he adopted and raised many dogs from puppies into loyal friends. Gregory Solis will be remembered as a man of integrity, faith and gentle strength. He was a gentle soul with a generous heart for neighbor, friend and stranger alike. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

11/13/2025

Margaret Ann Heilman, lovingly known as Marge, passed away peacefully in her home in Lewiston, California, on Nov. 3, 2025, surrounded by her devoted children. She was 86 years old.

Born on Feb. 9, 1939, in Stark County, North Dakota, Marge lived a life full of love, creativity and unwavering dedication to her family. She was the beloved wife of John Henry Heilman, with whom she shared 67 beautiful years of marriage — a testament to enduring love and partnership.

Marge was the proud mother of five children: Therese Heilman, Theadore Heilman, Lawrence Heilman, John Heilman and Patrick Heilman. Her legacy continues through her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her warmth, wisdom and nurturing spirit.

After raising her children, Marge embraced her lifelong passion for art. She often said, “Since childhood, the energy of light and its effects on form and colors has fascinated me.” Her artistic talents were a reflection of her soul — vibrant, thoughtful and full of heart. She brought beauty into the world not only through her artwork but through the love she gave to everyone around her.

Marge will be remembered as an extraordinary wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a gifted artist. Her kindness, creativity and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A private family service will be held in her honor.

11/07/2025

Our dad, Jeffrey George Hickey, the best thing to ever happen to us, passed on Oct. 11, 2025, unexpectedly at the age of 79, after a horrific house fire in Weaverville, California.

Jeffrey was born on Aug. 6, 1946, to Frances and Donald Hickey. He is survived by his two daughters, Angela Brooks and her husband Eric, and Wendy Greene; his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by both of his siblings, Donald and Murray Hickey, whom he loved, missed and talked of frequently. Jeff has two nieces, Donald’s daughters, Janet and Karen, that he asked about regularly. Jeffrey always talked about his childhood and his brothers with great happiness and attributed his wonderful personality to having great parents and grandparents.

Jeffrey was raised in the Bay Area, graduating from Woodside High School in Redwood City, California. He spent his entire childhood and most of his adult life in the Bay Area before moving to Trinity County roughly 10 years ago to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. Before moving to Trinity County, Jeffrey spent several years selflessly caring for his own father after his retirement.

Once he moved to Trinity County, he fell in love with Weaverville quickly and said he was grateful to be here every day.

Jeffrey served our country after being drafted into the Army at a very young age and then operated heavy equipment for PG&E for over 40 years supporting his family. He was one of the most committed and hardworking employees and earned several awards during his time with PG&E. Jeffrey also worked hundreds of hours during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Jeffrey was the most generous and caring father of two daughters, Angela Brooks and Wendy Greene, who adored their father as much as he adored them. He made his daughters feel safe, loved and wanted all the time, putting them first always.

Jeffrey taught his daughters to love unconditionally, to choose forgiveness and kindness, and to celebrate life whenever possible

Between Wendy and Angela, Jeffrey is the grandfather of 13 grandchildren. The oldest and first grandson, his namesake, and so similar to his grandfather in his work ethic, Jeffrey Hickey (JJ) and his spouse Savannah. JJ was taken care of often by grandpa when he was born and into his toddler years. His grandpa loved taking care of him when he was little and it was one of the biggest joys of his grandfather’s entire life.

Tayler Gunter, her husband Levi, and their three children, Mackinzee Lynn, Greyson Allen, and Colton Michael. Tayler and Levi were always there for grandpa doing house chores, yard work, helping to take him to doctors’ appointments and whatever else he needed or wanted at the drop of a hat, always. Tayler was always trying to find special gifts for her grandpa and baking him homemade chocolate birthday cakes just like his mom did, which he loved so much. He appreciated them so much and knew he could count on them for anything. The kids loved him and he was so excited about Mackinzee’s softball career starting so young.

Deidra White and her little one, Julian Peacock. Kylee White and her spouse Abigail Williams. Deidra and Kylee made him so proud with what they have done with their lives and careers. He was impressed that Deidra graduated from Esthetician school on her own, and made a career for herself. Kylee took after her grandpa and enlisted in the Army a few years ago, he was so in awe of that, always inquiring about her whereabouts and what she was doing. Kylee was able to fly in for 72 hours after the fire, to see her grandfather one more time before deploying. Deidra lives far away but always tries to be on a Facetime call with us for special moments with him and he always asked about her and expressed wishing he could see her and Julian more often, but being thankful for technology and being able to see them.

Ryan Warren, who shared so much time and responsibility with his mother caring for his grandfather, building his dream car with him and pulling him out of that fire. Ryan was always the first to arrive when grandpa would need help. They spent countless hours talking about cars and guns and making decisions for grandpa’s El Camino. They had planned to do a car show together and Ryan will now carry that on in his grandfather’s memory. Ryan also shared his spouse Maggii, and their son Michael, with grandpa almost every day. Baby Michael had his own chair on grandpa’s porch. Grandpa and Maggii bonded deeply during the time they lived next door to each other, and she was helping to care for grandpa’s medical needs. Grandpa would always say that if you didn’t feel happy just looking at baby Michael, there was “something wrong with you.” Grandpa loved watching Michael grow.

Emily Greene and Estelle Greene, who joined our family by marriage over a decade ago, were also very loved by their grandpa. He never batted an eye at them being “his granddaughters.” He was proud of Emily for recently finishing school and had high hopes for Estelle’s future. He recently pitched in to help her get a new car, as he took pride in being able to help everyone to be in a safe and reliable vehicle, especially his grandchildren.

Michael Hastey, who grandpa missed enormously and used to have long talks with. Michael helped a lot with moving grandpa to Weaverville, lots of drives to the Bay Area and back. Michael was so happy to have grandpa close and there is no doubt in our mind that they would have made so many more memories together.

And last, but not least, on Wendy’s side, the youngest, Charlotte Greene. Charlotte spent so much time with her grandfather the past several years and they were able to get very close. They shared report cards and her schoolwork, and Charlotte would show him her recent ballet moves. He never stopped talking about Charlotte and she was definitely the apple of his eye. He always said “there is nothing that girl cannot do, she’s simply amazing,” while shaking his head. They would always blow kisses goodbye, and she never saw him without a big hug for him.

Brittney and David Withers, and their little one Jude David. Brittany was the first grandchild in the family and always held a special place in his heart. Her husband David has worked tirelessly trying to salvage some of grandpa’s vinyl albums, which grandpa loved and collected for so very long. Grandpa would want us to have some musical memories of his to share. Brittney and David both are truly selfless and special, and grandpa would be amazed at what they have both done to help our family navigate this loss since the breakout of the fire and even now. The things they have done are the reason that grandpa would always say he had the best family.

Cody, Chris and Caden Brooks. When Cody was young, he and grandpa were close and Cody loved his grandpa coming to visit and like all the other grandchildren, Cody looked up to him. Caden had spent quite some time with grandpa at Mercy Hospital last year when grandpa was sick, spending hours just sitting by his bed so he wouldn’t be alone. Grandpa was excited that Caden had just finished EMT school and thought it was so cool. Chris had recently moved back to the area and was just getting close with his grandpa. Recently grandpa got to see a video of Chris proposing to his girlfriend and he was so happy for Chris. He smiled the whole time he watched that video.

All of Jeffrey’s great-grandchildren would always ask to go to “Grandpa’s house.” They loved him immensely, and he always lit up when they came around. It was his favorite thing to do in the whole world, hang out with all the kids and have dinner, watching the little ones play. He was eagerly waiting for Thanksgiving and was really looking forward to it being at his house this year. He talked about it so much and was looking forward to Tayler’s deviled eggs.

Jeffrey made quite the impact on all his grandchildren, teaching them to have a hard work ethic, a loving legacy of family values, a passion for classic cars and constantly demonstrating loving and supporting your family unconditionally. Jeffrey showed empathy, forgiveness and compassion for everyone he met. In his younger years, Jeffrey was married to the love of his life, Andrea, who also unexpectedly passed away in 1997. He never remarried.

All Jeffrey ever wanted in this life was to be with his children, buy his dream house, work on his yards and his dream cars, which included a Shelby GT 350 Mustang and a ’69 El Camino. He loved the races and was an avid racing fan. He also loved the 49ers and the San Francisco Giants. Jeff had a love of photography, beaches, airplanes and muscle cars that was passed on to his daughters and grandchildren. His home was filled with pictures of the kids and grandkids, along with photos dating back over 50 years of the hundreds of races he attended showcasing the fast cars he so loved.

Jeffrey also had a sweet tooth and loved Pepsi, Starbucks, Peanut M&Ms and chocolate milkshakes! There are a lot of people from town that will miss him sitting at Starbucks, people watching with his Mustang. He loved those Starbucks baristas and they made him feel special whenever he went in there.

Jeffrey loved German shepherd dogs and never stopped talking about the three he had when he was younger — Abe, Elsa and Sadie.

He also loved his big orange kitty, named “kitty,” who was his closest companion for the past three years. Sadly, his kitty also perished in the fire.

Due to being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, being extremely hard of hearing, and losing a grandson in the past few years, life was rough during some patches of the last few years as he fought with his health. Nevertheless, Jeffrey always found the positive in every situation, and didn’t let a day go by saying how thankful he was to have the life he had and to be right where he was, even on his most difficult days. He always said “there are people who have it worse, I am blessed.” One of his favorite sayings was “there is always, always, always, something to be thankful for,” which hung on a sign in his dining room.

There are no adequate words to describe how much he is already missed and the hole that has been left in our family’s hearts. Jeffrey was the epitome of a good man, a good father and an even better grandfather. Our hope is that all of our children will in some way be like him.

Angela and Wendy want to express thank you to all of those in Weaverville who have asked about our dad and helped with many different things. Special thank you to Megan Scalzo for helping put together the meal train. We are beside ourselves with pain and sorrow and just miss him so very much. We hope to rebuild and do things the way we know our dad would have wanted. Angela has already joined a Mustang club in his honor, and Wendy will continue the legacy in Weaverville at his home. We both hope to live our lives to the fullest and make him proud.

As the family is still quite in shock and struggling to make sense of this tragedy, we have not planned a service yet. The family will post on social media and the paper when the time comes. Thank you for your understanding.

11/05/2025

Honoring the courageous men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. Happy Veterans Day!