EDGAR WILLIAM NORTHCOTE
11/03/1929 – 12/01/2021
Edgar W. Northcote passed away on December 1, 2021 at the age of 92, after complications from a fall.
Eddie (or Ed) as he was known by friends and family, called Paradise, California home for most of his life. Eddie will be remembered for his love and expert knowledge of vintage automobiles and motorcycles. He also loved all kinds of music; especially jazz. He was strong, handsome and had beautiful blue eyes. He walked fast to get to where he was going, no matter the terrain. Family and friends will remember how he loved to tease and for his infectious laugh. Eddie was a good neighbor who helped his friends, always keeping an eye out; and he loved routine.
Eddie was born in Los Angeles, CA, the only child of William Edgar Northcote and Marie Velma Jones. In 1931 Eddie and his parents moved to Millbrook, PA, near many of his relatives on the Northcote side of the family. While there, they enjoyed large family
picnics. Eddie and his parents returned to the beautiful and iconic area of Los Angeles, California in 1937. In grade-school Eddie learned to tap dance, do gymnastics and later he learned to play the trumpet. He and his grandmother Sally were pals. He recalled exciting adventures accompanying her around LA on the buses when she taught him how to navigate “the dangers of the streets”. One of his first jobs was delivering prescriptions on his bicycle which required riding against the strong Santa Anna winds. Eddie attended Junior and Senior High School in Huntington Park California. During his High School years, he loved to work on motorcycles and to race around LA with his friends.
In June of 1946, Eddie accompanied his parents when they left Southern California to move to the tiny Northern California town of Paradise, CA. Eddie completed his last year of high school at Chico Senior High School. After graduation he worked for Diamond Match Lumber Mill in Sterling City; Paradise Electric; and for the Paradise Post Newspaper.
Eddie served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He was assigned to ‘VR8’ at Hickam Field, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was deployed to Naval Air Facility Iwakuni, Japan during the Korean War where he worked on 2 and 4 engine land-based aircraft.
After the service Eddie returned to Paradise and worked again for the Paradise Post Newspaper. He also co-owned the “Shamrock” bar that was part of the bowling alley on Skyway. He was a popular bartender and worked at various locations and clubs, such as the Elks Lodge. In 1970 he went to work for the Enterprise Record newspaper in Chico, California and retired in 1995. In 1976 he married his wife, Ruby. They were married for 45 years. Also, in the 1970’s, Eddie attended Chico Beauty College during the day, while working at the Enterprise Record at night, and became a licensed Cosmetologist.
When Eddie wasn’t working, he liked to spend his time working on engines, building and restoring cars and motorcycles, as well as repairing anything that needed fixing. His pride and joy was his 1934 Ford pick-up truck. He enjoyed exploring swap meets to search for parts and to connect with fellow collectors. He was interested in all kinds of vintage machinery and equipment. He loved to recreate and to bring the beauty and purpose out in things.
On November 8, 2018, Eddie made a harrowing escape from the Paradise Camp fire, having driven out at 89 years old with his wife Ruby and their dog Ludlow. After losing his home and all the material things he treasured, he braved the changes and ended up living in Lincoln and most recently Rocklin, California. He will return home to Paradise to be laid to rest at the Paradise Cemetery on March 15, 2022 at noon.
Eddie is survived by his wife Ruby Northcote, his daughter Cheryl McCann (James) of Manteca, CA; his daughter Teryl Sundquist (Tom) of Rocklin, CA;
his son Deryl Northcote of Chico, CA; his son Kris Richards (Elsa) of Meadow Vista, CA, and his stepson Eldon “Buck” Stultz. He is also survived by five grandchildren including Stacey Boehmer, Ryan Sundquist, and Steven Sundquist, as well as seven great-grandchildren. Eddie is preceded in death by his step-sons Donald Stultz and Michael Stultz.