Kenneth “Ken” Starkey passed away surrounded by his family on May 29, 2024, after suffering a stroke late in 2023. Ken lived his entire life in Humboldt County, born January 4, 1948, at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

Ken grew up in Arcata and became a successful local businessman and community leader. Like his brother, Russell “Rusty” Starkey, and sister, Marilee “Dee Dee” Hadley-Taylor (nee Starkey), he attended Stewart Middle School and later played football and basketball at Arcata High School before attending California Polytechnic University, Humboldt (then Humboldt State University) where he also played football. While attending college, Ken worked for his future father-in-law, Reno Orlandi at Marino’s Club (just off the Arcata Plaza) with many of his friends. He married his high-school sweetheart, Judith Orlandi, in 1970 and eventually welcomed two sons, Adam and Kory. Ken and Judy separated in 1990.

Like his father, Ken was active in supporting Arcata High School after graduating in 1966. Ken and several high-school friends donated their time to the football and basketball programs for many years, staffing the officials’ table.

Ken worked for his father at Warren, Starkey and Grey Insurance Agency prior to establishing the Ken W. Starkey Insurance Agency in 1981. Ken operated the insurance agency in the Sunny Brae Shopping Center for nearly 20 years prior to moving to a larger location on Samoa Boulevard and merging to become Anderson Robinson Starkey (part of the Shaw Group) in 1998. He eventually retired in 2013.

During his lengthy career serving the local community’s insurance needs, Ken was an active member of the Arcata Rotary Club (and was a Paul Harris Fellow). Ken supported many community-focused initiatives during his tenure with Rotary and found his true passion in helping with the annual Arcata High School Wrestling Tournament.

Ken married Linda Diane Holt in September 1997. He became a stepfather to Linda’s two daughters, Mikell and Cherese.

Sharing his father’s love of the outdoors, Ken made many trips to Grouse and Spike Buck Mountains where the family maintains a hunting cabin on the Old Joe Green homestead (of approx. 160 acres). “The Mountain” as it became known was a source of adventures for family and friends who hunted, fished and camped there over generations.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence LeRoy “Poppy” and Marion Margaret “Mimi” Starkey and his wife, Linda. He is survived by his siblings, sons and stepdaughters and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and cousins. Ken valued his close and loving relationships with them all.

The family wishes to thank the staff and management at McKinleyville Timber Ridge for their kindness and support of Ken during his residency. The family would also like to thank the entire medical and nursing staff from Hospice of Humboldt for their compassionate care.

Per his wishes, Ken was laid to rest together with his departed wife next to his parents at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata.

A celebration of life open house will be held for friends, business associates and family at the Plaza Grill View Room (in the historic Jacoby’s Storehouse (780 7th Street, 3rd Floor, Arcata) from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Humboldt in Ken’s memory.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ken Starkey’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.