CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Hoyt K. Self Jr. died Jan. 8, 2018, just 16 days shy of his 80th birthday. He died peacefully at home in the Oaks.

Hoyt was a 52-year resident of Lake County and, most recently, active in the local VFW as auxiliary president. In younger years he managed Konocti, Lower Lake and Ukiah water districts.

Hoyt was never happier than when four-wheel driving in his Jeep or camping with friends and his dogs in the Mendocino National Forest. The dirtier and dustier the trip, the better.

Locally famous for having been divorced 10 times, he was a storytelling curmudgeon until the end. He was charming, sometimes exasperating, and fond of ribald humor.

His family members appreciate his environmental consciousness, progressive politics and dedication to racial harmony. Highly individualistic and not at all tolerant of any sort of weakness, flummery or fakery, he was always interesting and direct to the point.

Hoyt is survived by his children, Shari Briseno,  Robert Self and his wife Yeonock, and Timothy Self.

He is preceded in death by his children, Guy and Sandra Self.

He was blessed with seven grandchildren worldwide: Kenneth, Nastasha, Ulysses, Samantha, Jessica, Elizabeth and Nick.

He lived most of his life with his loving mother, Grace Jones Self. His father, Hoyt K. Self Sr., was tragically killed in a coal mining accident when Hoyt Jr. was only 5 months old.

The family greatly appreciates the many people who assisted him in later years. Alzheimer’s had in the end taken away many of the qualities that had made him such a magnetic and unusual person. Particularly his friends at the VFW and his caretakers made his final years as comfortable as was possible. The Self Family is absolutely appreciative of all that was done for his benefit and care.

There will be a service for Hoyt Self on April 7. Details will follow.