Longtime Eureka Longshoreman 'Big George' Still Dies at 80

George Clifford Still, a 40-year crane operator at the Port of Eureka, was remembered for his love of fishing, sports, and time with friends.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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George Clifford Still, known as 'Big George', passed away at his home in Eureka, California on December 28, 2025 at the age of 80. Still had a 40-year career as a longshoreman operating cranes at the Port of Eureka, and was an avid fisherman, sports fan, and regular at the local Gill's By the Bay restaurant. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jackie Hurst Still, and her family.

Why it matters

George Still's life and career exemplified the working-class roots and tight-knit community spirit of Eureka's waterfront and blue-collar neighborhoods. His decades-long tenure as a longshoreman and active involvement in local sports and social circles highlighted the importance of these industries and social networks in the lives of many Humboldt County residents.

The details

Still was born in 1945 in Eureka and grew up in the nearby town of Fields Landing. After graduating from Eureka High School in 1964, he worked for a year at PG&E before beginning his 40-year career as a longshoreman, operating cranes to load boxcars, logs, rice, and other cargo onto ships at the Port of Eureka. He retired in 2006 from Westfall Stevedore Co. and was proud to have received a plaque for 40 years of service without a lost-time injury.

  • George Clifford Still was born on July 13, 1945 in Eureka, California.
  • He graduated from Eureka High School in 1964.
  • Still worked for PG&E for one year after high school before beginning his 40-year career as a longshoreman.
  • He retired from Westfall Stevedore Co. in August 2006.
  • George Clifford Still passed away at his home in Eureka on December 28, 2025 at the age of 80.

The players

George Clifford Still

Also known as 'Big George', he was a 40-year longshoreman who operated cranes at the Port of Eureka and was an avid fisherman and sports fan.

Jackie Hurst Still

George's wife of 20 years, whose family became his own after they saw beyond his 'grumpy attitude' to the 'generous and kind man that he really was'.

Lanny Bravo

One of George's long-time fishing friends who owned the boat 'The Lucky Lady'.

Tex, Bob, and Tom

Other members of George's regular fishing crew.

Tim (Whale) Jacobson and Kurt Adorni

Retirees from Local 14 who played cards with George.

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What’s next

A celebration of life for George Clifford Still will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Gill's By the Bay in King Salmon. Jackie's family will bring George's favorite cookies, and the restaurant will serve coffee, though it will be closed for regular food service.

The takeaway

George Still's life and legacy highlight the importance of close-knit working-class communities and social networks in places like Eureka, where industries like longshoremen and fishing have long been central to the local economy and culture. His decades of dedicated service, active involvement in local sports and social circles, and strong relationships with family and friends exemplify the values and ties that bind many Humboldt County residents together.