Quinten Hopper McKenzie 
-1971-2016-

Preferring true, kind and silly interactions to the formalities of life Quinten would not have liked a serious obituary. He was born on February 12, 1971 in Colorado. He died suddenly in Old Town Eureka on June 29, 2016. He worked in Old Town and loved to socialize there, where he made friends everywhere he went. He was full of unusual and interesting facts, and could find something to connect about with everyone he talked to. Quinten kept everyone around him smiling and laughing. When he ran into people he knew, he would whistle, stick out his tongue, throw up the “devil’s horns” or do something silly to grab their attention. He was often seen riding his skateboard or spending time with his French bulldog, Lemmy. Quinten refused to grow up, in the best possible way.

Quinten lived many places in his life including Oregon and Alaska, where he loved to fish and enjoyed the freedom of the outdoors. Quinten spent his middle school years and beginning of high school in Humboldt, before moving to the Bay Area. He later moved to Santa Cruz, where he got his Bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz. He had a long career in the construction field, and was a special inspector for an engineering firm. He was proud of this specialized work and found it very engaging. Quinten took great pride in his son, Kirin Hopper, who he loved deeply. He greatly enjoyed international travel, and lived abroad in Finland (the home of black metal, which he also loved). When huge storms came in, he always wanted to go to the jetty and watch the waves. He was an incredible cook and showed his love for others by nourishing them. Quinten returned to Humboldt County to be with the love of his life, Ceci, and his “bonus daughter,” Kyra. He went on to work for Humboldt Bay Coffee Company, where he was a special part of the team.

He is survived by his son, Kirin Hopper, his partner, Ceci Walker and her daughter, Kyra Dart, his mother, Savannah McKenzie, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and badass friends. A memorial will be held in his honor on Sunday, July 10th at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center, located at 220 Stamps Lane in Manila, CA from 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Everyone who cared about Quinten is welcome to attend this event which will channel Quinten’s life, energy, love for music and his last wishes. The memorial will include a group singing of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and a punch toast at 6 p.m.

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