William Z. Hegy, a native of Plunkett, Saskatchewan, Canada, graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Civil Engineering and began work with the Division of Highways in 1936. Over a career that took him through many positions and locations, he became State Maintenance Engineer before serving as Caltrans District Director in Eureka. He was also deeply active in community life as President of the Eureka Rotary Club and the United Way, commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, Board Chairman of Humboldt Area Foundation, Interim Manager, President and Board Member of KEET-TV, Foreman of the Humboldt County Grand Jury, Charter Member of the Humboldt North Coast Land Trust, a member of the Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, and active in St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Arcata. After an illustrious career of state and community service, he retired in 1978, and the portion of Highway 101 from Little River near the City of Trinidad to Patrick's Point undercrossing was designated the William Z. Hegy Memorial Highway.