Richard “Dick” Cahill
Richard “Dick” Cahill peacefully passed away March 3, 2023 at the age of 86 with his family at his side. Dick was the second of seven children born to Leonard and Bridget Cahill and grew up in Loyalton, CA.
Dick graduated from Loyalton High School in 1955. His family moved to Arcata and Dick enrolled in Humboldt State College where he became part of the Lumberjack Football teams 1955 – 1958 receiving recognition as an All-American Tackle. In 1963-1964, he played for the local Humboldt Foresters and later, was inducted into the Humboldt State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. So many wonderful friendships were created over those years.
After serving two years in the Army at Killeen Base, TX, Dick returned to Humboldt County to finish his education and graduated from HSC in 1965. Dick met the love of his life, Pat Regli, and the two were wed in Ferndale on August 5, 1961, later settling there for 55 years. As their children grew up, the Fortuna-Ferndale sports rivalry became an interesting and entertaining family issue.
Coach Cahill started his teaching career at Westwood High in Lassen County, but quickly returned to Humboldt Co. where he began his legacy at Fortuna High School. During his tenure at FUHS, Dick coached Varsity football for 21 years and was Athletic Director. In 1978 he was named the NCS Division II Coach of the Year and inducted into the Fortuna High Hall of Fame in 2014.
Retiring from his 31-year teaching career in 1995, Dick spent quality time with his four children and their families in Humboldt Co. and Visalia. He was a 49er fan and enjoyed traveling, golfing, abalone diving, and spending time at the family cabin at Ruth Lake. He was an active member of Ferndale’s Assumption Parish, serving on the Finance Committee for many years and also volunteered at the Ferndale Museum.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Bridget Keough Cahill; brothers John, Bill, and Gary Cahill; in-laws A.J. and Elizabeth Regli; brothers-in-law John Silva, Alan Rohrbach, Dale Gier, Joseph Regli, and Jimmy Regli; sister-in-law Eileen (Wes) Simpson.
He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 62 years and children: Denise, Visalia; Christopher (Lea), Fortuna; Jennifer (Rob) Budwig, Ferndale; and Greg (Sandi), Visalia; grandchildren: Zach (Kayla) Cahill and Great Granddaughter, Amelia, Katrina (Travis) Mendes, Nolan Cahill, Ava Cahill, Bridget Cahill, Grant Cahill and Grady Cahill; sisters: Shannon Rohrbach, Catherine (Don) Dellabalma, and Nancy Silva; in-laws: Elaine Cahill, Carole Cahill, and Camille Regli, Phil (Harlean) Regli and John (Sally) Regli: cousin Mike (Carol) Cahill as well as many Cahill and Regli nieces and nephews.
A 7:00 PM rosary will be held on Friday, March 31st, at the Assumption Church, Ferndale. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mario Laguros on Saturday, April 1st at 10:00 AM, also at Assumption Church. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fortuna Veterans’ Hall, Main Street, Fortuna from 12:30-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to: Fortuna High School Football Program, 379 12th St. Fortuna, 95540; Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct., Eureka, CA 95503; Humboldt Senior Center, Alzheimer Services, 1910 California St., Eureka 95501; or your favorite charity.