It is with great pain and sorrow that we announce the unexpected death of Richard Keith Kelley on September 4th, 2015. Richie was born in Humboldt County, California on June 4, 1988 and grew up on the Klamath River in Weitchpec and the Trinity River in Willow Creek, Ca.

As a child, Richie played tee ball and football, but his favorite sport growing up was wrestling. Richie was a strong and dedicated wrestler for most of his youth, winning many medals and trophies. He “fine tuned” his little brother, David, into a champion wrestler both on and off the mat.

Richie attended preschool, elementary school and high school in Hoopa where he developed many life-long friendships. He did well throughout school and always gave his teachers and peers something to laugh about. He graduated from Hoopa High in 2006. Richie loved life…Those that knew him, loved him.

Richie was best known for his handsome, contagious smile, warm, loving hugs, his wit and extremely sarcastic sense of humor. He loved growing up down river; the mountains, rivers and trees were in his soul. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, and hiking the hills. His passion was working and playing outdoors. Richie had a good heart that carried him through rough times. He made a point to reach out to friends in need. He was known for his generous spirit and kind heart. . Many fun, loving memories were made at barbecues, bonfires, family get-togethers and reunions Richie’s entire life.

Richie’s family meant the world to him.  Richie is survived by his daughter Hailie, the love of his life, who shares his contagious smile, humor and most of all, his spunk. He leaves behind his father and mother, Richard and Patti Kelley, his siblings, Charlie, Tim (Kassandra Loriaux),  Menetta (Kevin Roberts) and David (Morgan) Kelley, his grandmothers, Janice Burton and Agnes Kelley, nephews and nieces; Tommy, Carlie, Ella, Jocelyn, Shayde, Alyse and Tristan. as well as an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.  This guy definitely filled some hearts…

He was deeply loved by his in-laws, Janell and Chris Wolfe and their children; Jaylene, Caleb, Jacob, Mackenzie, Hannah, Joshua and James. He is also deeply missed by Ally Kelley who gave him his greatest gift, their daughter.

Richie was proceeded in death by his grandfathers, Francis Joseph Burton and Charles Albert Kelley, and his dear friend and cousin Stevie Eli Burton.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Richie’s life to be held at the Yurok Tribal Office (Hwy 96 N) in Weitchpec from 12:00-4:00 Saturday, Nov. 14th.  Please bring your favorite memories, pictures to share and a favorite dish for the pot luck meal.

Rest in peace, loved one.