It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith Hess, who died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Keith was a beloved husband, father, friend, son, brother, and uncle. He leaves behind happy memories in so many hearts.

Keith grew up in the East Bay, where he enjoyed hunting with his dad and dad’s friends at Elk Creek. His father also taught him how to navigate the San Francisco Bay in their Boston Whaler, “the Kraken.” That love of fishing extended into Humboldt, where he fished the six rivers, Humboldt Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, “the Kraken” became one of Keith’s favorite hobbies.

He had a tight-knit family and spent his childhood playing ball with cousins and neighborhood friends. He loved his Gramma and Grandpa Hess, staying over, drinking Dr Pepper at night, and having coffee in bed in the morning. He masterminded a French fry competition between both sets of grandparents to ensure he and Jen always had the best fries. He loved his father, Dean; mother, Karen; and sister, Jen, fiercely.

His high school friends, the Vagrants, from Bishop O’Doud got into all kinds of mischief and fun. Keith had a talent for making friends with just about anybody, a stranger to nobody. He was fiercely loyal and always willing to help a friend in need without question.

He graduated from Humboldt State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Planning. While at HSU, rugby became a passion. At one point, the only class he was taking was rugby. Keith became a legend among the rugby community. He played Division I for HSU in the late ‘80s when Humboldt would play against teams like Cal Berkeley and Stanford. After graduating, Keith and other graduates started the Old Growth Men’s program. In those days, eleven guys would travel to play games without ever practicing, finding players on the way. His familiar knock on the door, accompanied by his characteristic exclamation, “Hey fool, we are going to Chico!” will be etched in the memories of all who experienced his enthusiasm. Every year at alumni events, you would find Keith helping the youth learn the game (well, the game as he saw it). He enjoyed traveling with the Bald Eagles Over 45 team, touring with the select side.

The relationships he built were always at the forefront of his career in natural resources. He worked on many projects in both private consulting and with the Army Corps of Engineers, including wetland delineations, gravel extraction permitting, environmental impact reports, statements, and fire cleanups in California. He worked on so many sites for so many people that the number of keys hanging from his keychain broke the ignition in his truck. He was most proud of his extensive work within the gravel community in Humboldt County, and his dedication to them is beyond description.

Keith was an extraordinary and generous man who lived life with passion and kindness. He was always available to help the down-and-out. He will be fondly remembered as a rugby legend and cherished friend, at times an ass, but always loyal. But most of all, he loved his children, Jade, Rachel, and Jessie, and his wife, Karna. His family was his greatest and fiercest passion and joy. They remember him as the loudest man on the sideline, cheering them on and pushing them to be better, arguing while watching TV, and knowing the depth of his love. As the coach of a Fortuna High rugby team he helped found for his kids, he was a passionate man who lived and loved big.

A memorial to honor Keith’s life will be held on August 5th, on the Van Duzen River, Exit 685, at 5 p.m. Please bring a camp chair, blanket, all-wheel vehicle, and a dish to share. Signs will be posted at the exit, or you may send a message to khessmemorial@gmail.com for more information.

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