Charles “Corky” Schoonmaker

Corky was a charismatic man who asked for little yet gave so much. People were naturally drawn to his carefree disposition and sunny smile.

Corky passed away in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 28,2024 at the age of 69 after suffering an unexpected stroke at home in Keaau, Hawaii. He was born on February 17,1955 to Edward and Joyce Schoonmaker. Corky grew up in Eureka, California where he graduated Eureka Senior High School in 1973, then graduated with an Associate Arts Degree from College of the Redwoods in June of 1977.

Joyce, lovingly known as the “Warden,” became a single mother when Corky was 4yrs old. Even at an early age Corky had a mischievous side. Much to his mother’s dismay, it was common for neighbors to find a young, blonde, skinny Corky on their doorstep stating his mother had not fed him. He had of course been fed by his mother, but he insisted that each neighbor had a specific food item that was not to be missed.

In 1978 Corky met Jill at a Halloween party he and his friends attended. They began dating a few months later and were married in September 1981 at St Bernard’s Catholic Church in Eureka. Corky and Jill were blessed with three children, a daughter, Vanessa and two sons, Neal, and Dean. Corky took pride in his family and was a loving father and devoted husband, always making time for his wife, children and granddaughter, Yvette. He never missed an art exhibit, theatrical or sporting event that his children participated in. He could often be found behind the scenes of these events assisting in one manner or another. Corky loved making people happy, teasing his wife and children, long camping trips with family, working in his yard, running heavy equipment, watching the 49ers and NASCAR (I don’t get the NASCAR thing), helping neighbors and meeting new people.

Corky worked for Humboldt County Public Works, Roads Division for many years, initially by running the brush cutter then working on the crusher crew and finally on the McKinleyville road crew. After 33yrs service, Corky retired in December 2015.

Corky was an avid runner throughout high school and college and became a member of Six Rivers Running Club participating in the Avenue of the Giants and the Clam Beach Run, among others. Corky was a member of Humboldt Redwood Cursillo during the 1990’s and early years of 2000. Many, many friendships developed and flourished during these years and those relationships have carried his family through both highs and lows over the years. Prior to moving to Hawaii in 2017, Corky was a member of Christ the King Parish in McKinleyville as well as the Elks Lodge #652. Soon after arriving in Hawaii Corky became an executive director on the board for Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association with a primary function of road maintenance within the park of approximately 8,000 one-acre parcels.

Corky was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Joyce Schoonmaker, sister Lori Dinsmore, and brother-in-law Mark Bollmann. He is survived by his loving wife Jill, his daughter Vanessa (Cody Jones), sons Neal (Rebecca Curtis), and Dean Schoonmaker, sister Lila Bollmann (Randy Younger). Corky leaves behind many loving cousins, nephews and nieces that will never look at a game of hide and seek without remembering their fun-loving uncle.

Corky is best known for his quick-witted humor, and generous spirit. He loved his Hawaiian shirts but was a cowboy at heart. We look forward to celebrating Corky’s life at The Barn by Fernbridge, at 26 Goble Lane, Ferndale, CA on June 15,2024 from 1:00-4:00. To honor Corky on this incredibly special occasion feel free to dress Hawaiian style and don’t forget your cowboy hats.