It is with the heaviest of hearts we must share the passing of Reese Lopez, on Sept. 17, 2023, from natural causes.

Reese was born on April 5, 1963, to John Audis Kester and Elsie Edith Zumwalt, in Eureka. Reese was a bright, vibrant, loving person, who would happily give the shirt off his back, to help those in need. Whether they needed food, a shoulder to cry on, or even just a reason to smile, Reese always saw it as his personal mission to help. Reese always made it a point to spread joy everywhere he went.

Reese is survived by his best friend Judi Mackey, whom lovingly cared for him and watched over him better than any guardian angel ever could, his sons Brian Kleinmeyer and Jeremy Kleinmeyer, his niece Melissa Gitchell, and nephews Jesse Gitchell, Jesse Gitchell Jr., Jordan Gitchell, Tristan Gitchell, and Michael Colburn, and his cousins Loren Kester, Lorene Kester, and Laura Kester, as well as his adoring dog Blue.

Reese was preceeded in death by both parents, his sister Carline Gitchell, his aunts Anita Mae Vosburg and Olleen Caudill, and his cousin Lorraine Kester.”

Reese’s cremation is being handled by Sanders Funeral Home. Reese asked that we not have a funeral, but we’ll be doing a small private ceremony to scatter his ashes.

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