Albert Sousa Mendes

Albert Sousa Mendes Albert Sousa Mendes joined the angels and his Lord on December 16, 2014 at the age of 90. His passing was one of sadness, yet a beautiful passing because he left this world to join the love of his life, Emma Mendes, on the very day they would have celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary. Emma preceded him in death on December 18, 2012 just two years and two days before. He died peacefully in his home with his two remaining sons by his side. Albert, affectionately known as "Pop" by many, was a longtime resident of Fortuna, California and was born September 29, 1924 in Ferndale, California. He was the son of Joe Mendes and Jesuina C. Mendes, who came to live in the US from Terceira, Azores Islands, Portugal. In his younger years he attended Rio Dell Elementary School, moving on to attend Fortuna Union High School for a short period of time. He married his forever friend and sweetheart on December 16, 1944 at St. Joseph Catholic Church by Rev. Gaffiiey. They spent their honeymoon at Camp Weott. Anxious to serve his beloved country, Albert joined the Army on May 5, 1945 where he was stationed at Camp Beale, California. His Foreign Service was during World War II stationed in Hiroshima, Japan as a Lineman from October 24, 1945 to September 17, 1946. He was Honorably Discharged on October 30, 1946. At the end of his military service he returned to his home in Fortuna, later moving to Ferndale where he lived and worked as a Dairy Farmer until around 1960. After selling the family ranch he worked for Pacific Lumber Company, where he worked in the woods, then as a log peeler, and other odd jobs. He then became an independent log truck driver, later becoming a truck driver for Dutra Construction on various construction projects. Finally he went to work for Simpson Lumber Company driving Chip Truck until he retired around 1979. Albert was a lifetime member of the VFW, and the Forty and Eight, and a member the American Legion for 60 plus years. He was also a member of the Portuguese Lodge Apolice de Membro A.P.P.B. Caridade of 1868 later named the Benevolent Society of California. Albert enjoyed traveling with Emma to various places such as Branson, Missouri and Hawaii. Besides travel he enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to the casino, and especially golfing. Albert Sousa Mendes is survived by his eldest son and daughter-in-law Albert A. Mendes and Yvette Mendes of Carlotta; his youngest son and daughter-in-law David Mendes and Kim Mendes of Fortuna; daughter-in-law Diana Mendes of Fortuna; 10 grandchildren: Kenneth Mendes of Carlotta, Kristina Short of Washington, Kimberly Minckler of Montana, Troy O'Hanen of Rio Dell, Shiloh Viggers of Rio Dell, Erik Mendes of Fortuna, Jerod Mendes of Fortuna, Jenny Evers of Oregon, Karri Bitter of Washington, and Levi Mendes of Chicago; great-grandchildren Kayla, Kolby and Kendra Mendes, Kyle and Kegan Johnson, Noah and Elliott Minckler, Jovone' O'Hanen, Dante' Viggers, Sara King, Jessica Greene, Mason Mendes, Oliver and Zaida Evers, Evan Bitter and Lincoln Mendes; sister-in-law Wilma Mendes of Fortuna and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Jesuina Mendes, his wife of 68 years Emma Mendes, brothers Joe Mendes and Ezedro "Zip" Mendes, son Eddie Mendes and great-grandson Kenneth Johnson. The family would like to express their gratitude for the many well wishes from friends, neighbors and community members. Albert will be missed for his mischievous smile and good sense of humor. There will be a viewing at Goble's Fortuna Mortuary on Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 7:00-8:30 pm. Services will be held on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 10:00 am at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fortuna, California, Thomas Silva Officiating. Graveside Committal Service will be at the St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in Eureka with a reception immediately following at the VFW building in Fortuna, CA. Arrangements are under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary. Casket Bearers: Kenneth Mendes, Erik Mendes, Jerod Mendes, Paul Mendes, Allen Mendes and Tanner Mendes Honorary Casket Bearers: Levi Mendes, Travis Mendes, Kyle Johnson, Kegan Johnson, Troy O'Hanen and Shiloh Viggers. The soft sound of a drum beat is heard and gentle footsteps marching to its slow cadence, as his loved ones carry him to the grave. Trumpets sound his departure. Weep not, for on the other side the trumpets welcome his arrival where waits his Savior and close by, anxiously waiting with a smile and open arms, his adoring wife. When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free Miss me a little but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that was once shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all a part of the master's plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know. Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

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