A father and son duo, Roy Cantu and his father Clemente Cantu, will be recognized for their service in the armed forces during the Humboldt Heroes ceremony this Friday, marking a unique occasion in the program’s history. The event takes place at noon at the Eureka Inn, located at 518 Seventh Street, Eureka.
Honoring a Military Legacy
Clemente Cantu, born in February 1929 in Casper, Wyoming, grew up in the small town of Alturas. In 1948, facing limited opportunities as a teenager, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After World War II, he served in Italy as part of the occupational forces, contributing his musical talents as a trumpet player in an infantry and band unit.
In 1949, while in Trieste, Italy, Clemente married his wife, Maria. The couple returned to the United States in 1952 with their son Roy, following Clemente’s honorable discharge. The family settled in Humboldt County in 1973 after moving from Redding. Clemente went on to serve as a manager and shop maintenance supervisor for the National Guard, eventually retiring in 1989 after 41 years of service.
Clemente’s commitment to his community extended beyond his military career. He was actively involved with the Red Bluff Elks Lodge #1250 and served as Post Commander of the Eureka VFW Post 1872. Additionally, he held the position of president of the Humboldt Amateur Radio Club (HARC). He expressed gratitude for living in Humboldt County, appreciating its small-town atmosphere.
A Shared Commitment to Service
Roy Cantu, born in Italy in October 1950, followed in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the U.S. Navy on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 1968. His motivation stemmed from a desire to receive a technical education while serving his country, just like his father.
During his 21-year Navy career, Roy served aboard three nuclear ballistic missile submarines, completing 13 patrols across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as a sonar and electronics technician. He later took on the role of quality assurance supervisor/auditor for Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After completing instructor training, he became a master training specialist, teaching at the Fleet Submarine Warfare Center in San Diego. Roy retired as a chief petty officer in 1990.
Following his military service, Roy worked as an acoustic test technician for International Transducer Corporation in Santa Barbara. He relocated to Eureka in 1994, where he married his wife, Lori, celebrating their 40th anniversary in October 2023. Roy continued to contribute to his community through his work as a photographer and internet web designer until his retirement in 2012.
Roy enjoys the close-knit community of Eureka, valuing the relationships he has built and the natural beauty of the area.
The Humboldt Heroes program regularly honors local veterans on the last Friday of each month. Community members interested in nominating a veteran for recognition or sponsoring the program can contact State Farm insurance agent Scott Hammond at 707-444-2504.
