Mendocino's Beloved Protector

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MENDOCINO'S BELOVED PROTECTOR: WATCH THE VIDEO

You can tell a lot about a town by the people it chooses to celebrate. When Volunteer Fire Chief Foggy Gomes retired a few years back after fifty-three years on the job, the village of Mendocino threw a big bash and firefighters

from all over northern California paraded before him. Mendocino may look like a movie set (see our story, Mendocino Movie History, about its starring roles on the silver screen and television), and it may also be a popular haunt for tourists (see our other related stories Mendocino’s restaurants, shops, galleries and artist enclaves), but Mendocino’s also a real community that defines its own personality every day behind its picture-perfect facade. Although Mendocino has flirted with celebrity and acclaim over the years, it turns out that its true character is probably exemplified by Foggy, not much glitz and glamour, but plenty of genuine authenticity.

We are very saddened at the news that Foggy Gomes died on April 30, 2008. There will long be a hole in Mendocino's heart.

The Volunteer Fire Department continues its important vigilance, now under the leadership of Danny Hervilla, just a few months on the job. Don’t worry, Danny, stay with it for fifty-three more years and we’ll cover your parade, too. By the way, Danny co-owns the Little River Inn just outside the village. It’s one of many fine places to stay in and around Mendocino County. I’ve got some favorites. What are yours?

posted by : Nip Boyes on 5/6/2009 at 04:20 PM

I first met that wonderful Gomes family back in 1968. Foggy's sister was the grandmother of one of my high school pals Lynn Pereira. Human treasure the whole lot of them. For those darned Gomes's, humor, honesty and authenticity were in the genes all right but they managed to rub off on everyone they met. Lynn's grandmother, Aileen, was married to Joe Gomes (there was more than one Portuguese family in Mendocino named Gomes at the turn of the century). Foggy was her favorite brother. I can't even think of Fort Bragg or Mendocino without first thinking of the wonderful impact these treasures made on my young life. Thank you for a wonderful, wonderful video tribute and the heart soaring opportunity to again re-live in video and my mind's eye, some of the influential characters who made me who I am.

posted by : spiker592000 on 5/7/2008 at 12:52 PM

Doug, It was very nice of you to do this about Foggy.I met you at "Taylor Family Foundation" My name is spike.I ride for the Patriot Guard Riders.We rode up from Antioch to pay Honors and stand over Foggy for his final day.Myself,Friertuck,sarge,Tom,mike stood with our flags saluting the hero.Thanks for doing this story about him. Spike American Legion Rider Patriot Guard Rider

posted by : Arlene on 5/7/2008 at 12:41 PM

There is going to be a great celebration for Foggy this weekend at the Mendocino Fire Department. Over 300 people are going to celebrate Foggy's life with a potluck lunch. Harvest Market in Mendocino is providing several dozen pies to be served at the event as that was Foggy's favorite food. We will miss him.

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Meet the man who guarded an irreplaceable wooden village from fire for more than fifty years. He never earned a dime for his efforts, but he accumulated affection beyond measure.

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