Robert E. Kerr passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the age of 49. He died among his lifelong friends at Providence St. Joseph Hospital where he had worked for over 31 years. A loyal and honest man, he could always be counted on and always showed his lifelong work ethic.

Born in May 1973, Robert was the son of Richard “Dick” Kerr and Marilyn Green Kerr. He was born and raised in Eureka and graduated from Eureka High School.

Robert was a dedicated and faithful Catholic man and was a member of St. Bernard’s and Sacred Heart Church. Robert will be missed by his Church community and his second family at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

Robert was a dedicated Boy Scout and achieved the highest rank of the Scouts, an Eagle Scout. He was also an adult leader for many years at Troup 27 in Eureka. Robert loved being outdoors, especially hiking and camping, and for many years attended the annual Scouts camping trips.

A lifelong multi-sport athlete, Robert was active in Special Olympics, competing in basketball, softball, bowling, bocce ball, and track and field, among others. A loyal participant in the annual local Relay for Life and Bowl for Kids’ Sake events, Robert enjoyed tapping into his passion for sports to benefit local charitable causes.

Robert was a music lover, especially jazz, and looked forward to the annual Redwood Coast Music Festival in Eureka. He was a follower of Tom Rigney and had all his albums. He was gifted with a remarkable memory and knew hundreds of songs and all their lyrics.

Robert is proceeded in death by his parents Richard “Dick” Kerr and Marilyn Green Kerr. He is by survived by his stepmother, Nancy Hary Kerr; his sister Diane Kerr; step sisters-in-law Selene Hary, Norma Howells, Karen Favre; step brothers-in-law Randy Favre, Peter Hary, and Bonafacio Gabriel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and his trusty canine walking companion, Raja.

Robert’s best friend was Randy Favre. Randy and Robert talked daily, and Robert considered Randy his mentor and confidant. Robert’s supervisor at Providence St. Joseph, Bonnie Benson, was a very good friend who always provided kindness and support and kept a watchful eye out for Robert. Robert also had a wonderful companion and supportive advocate in Ryan, his dedicated HCAR case worker, as well a supportive team at Redwood Coast Regional Center.

A funeral mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Sudhakar Mannam on Friday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Eureka, with reception to follow on-site. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Boy Scouts of America, 3039 Hanley Rd, Central Point, OR 97502, or the Special Olympics: Area Director Joseph McKinzie: humboldt@sonc.org, 707-633-8449.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Robert Kerr’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.