One of my mother's uncles also disappeared in the quake & fire. The family searched for years, before giving him up as burned &/or buried in the rubble.
Some 20-30 years later, his wife and sister ran into him on the streets of a town on the Mendocino coast.
He had used the quake, in which he wasn't hurt, to bug out with his secret mistress! They were living married under an assumed name.
I understand it was NOT a happy reunion!
Fascinating story. Thanks!