Jerry Comfort, who joined Oregon State University on a basketball scholarship, has passed away at 96.
Jerry was born in 1928 in Fortuna to his father, Doc, and his mother, Dorothy Comfort. He grew up driving his father to house calls across Southern Humboldt, helping provide medical care throughout the rural region.
Highlights
- Jerry Comfort was born to his father, Doc, and his mother, Dorothy Comfort, in Fortuna.
- Comfort passed away on February 2025, at 96, due to an unidentified reason. His life will be celebrated on March 16, 2025.
- Jerry was married to Betty Comfort, who passed away on October 21, 2021.
He attended Oregon State University, where he played basketball.
However, an injury to his hand made him return to Humboldt, and he later graduated from HSU with his teaching credential.
Jerry taught science at Zane Junior High School in Eureka for over 34 years. He continued his athletic streak throughout his teaching career by coaching tennis and basketball.
A photographer, hunter, and fisherman, Jerry loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible in the mountains.
He has ridden, walked, and driven over almost every inch of Humboldt and Trinity counties.
From abalone diving in Bear Harbor to countless hunting trips at the cabin in South Fork, Jerry never ran out of stories about the North Coast,
One of his favorite stories was about the flood of ’64 when he flew in choppers to help rescue cattle and people across the Eel River Valley.
Jerry Comfort’s Legacy Lives On Through His Children
Jerry Comfort, who played a significant role in Oregon State University as a basketball player, passed away in February 2025 at 96.
However, the exact details of his death have not been mentioned yet.
Closed ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Comfort’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Per his family, Jerry’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Monday Club, 610 Main St. in Fortuna.
However, Jerry will be remembered forever for his contributions to Oregon State University and Zane Junior High School.
Rest in Paradise, Jerry Comfort.
Jerry Comfort’s Wife, Berry Comfort, Passed Away At 94
Jerry Comfort met the love of his life, Betty Comfort, in high school when he pretended to need help with his homework in algebra class to have an excuse to talk to her.
Soon, they started dating and tied the knot in 1946, when they were 19. The high school sweethearts had two sons, Jace and Bob Comfort.
Jace married Lorraine Comfort, and Bob married Lisa Comfort. Jerry and Betty had four grandchildren: Kimberly, Jared, Leanne, and Casey Aveggio.
Jerry’s wife Betty was born at Scotia Hospital on August 13, 1927, and has lived in Humboldt County all her life. She grew up on the family ranch in Hydesville.
Sadly, Jerry and Betty’s married life ended after 74 years following the tragic death of Betty on October 21, 2021.
Betty is preceded in death by her sister Joan Fignoe, parents Leslie and Dorothy Rocha, and son-in-law John Aveggio.
Her memorial service was held on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club, 610 Main Street, Fortuna.
Additional Information
- A star athlete, Jerry lettered in five sports at Fortuna High School, earning himself enough points.
- Jerry loved spending time at and caring for the Rocha Ranch in Hydesville, where Betty grew up. He also loved to travel, especially to Hawaii and the Caribbean.
- He spent his summers at the family cabin on the Eel River since he was five years old, where his children and grandchildren still follow in his footsteps.
