Keith Evan Downing was born on December 7, 1953 to Darlene and Robert Downing. He passed away on January 13, 2024 at the age of 70. Keith was a lifelong resident of Willow Creek. He was the proud father of three children and grandfather to three grandsons.

Keith was born in Garberville, as a toddler he and his family relocated to Burnt Ranch, then to Willow Creek following the 1964 flood. He attended elementary school in Burnt Ranch and went on to graduate from Hoopa High School in 1972. Keith excelled on and off the court, earning honors on student council, was named to the principal’s honor roll list all four years and was a star athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Keith became known by his classmates as “Goose,” a name that would stick with him into his adult life.

Keith married Debra Cooley of Eureka, in 1976. The couple started a family and had three children; Brian Keith, Jennifer Lee, and Rhonda Lynn, where they resided in Willow Creek.

Keith was the second oldest of five siblings, all of whom enjoyed life on the river and in the beautiful mountains of the Klamath-Trinity region. Keith was a true mountain man and embodied all of the characteristics of what that possessed; from working in the woods, to living off the land and most recently-transforming scrap wood into beautiful pieces of art. His wood work, including his benches, walking sticks, face carving and vases were sold at some of the local shops.

Keith loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He, his father and older brother Kevin, along with several cousins made many trips to the Trinity Alps where countless memories were made. One trip in particular, Keith killed two bucks in two days; a memory that was forever cherished and a story that was told for decades to come! He was a true storyteller and always loved to emphasis his stories to make for a better tale and an even better laugh! Not only did his stories invoke a lot of laughs, but Keith had a way about him that always brought out the humor in every situation. He knew how to make people laugh and once he got you going, that loud belly aching laugh would take over and the entire room would follow suit!

Keith had a lot of friends and close family whom he shared a lot of good memories with, however none closer to his heart than his children and grandchildren. His three grandsons were the light of his life and he enjoyed attending their sporting events, birthdays and family gatherings. He also thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers, whether it was a birthday, holiday, camping trips, an outing at Horse Linto Creek Campground, he truly enjoyed those moments with his siblings and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Bill & Marion Brown, Chet & Katherine Downing, as well as his parents; Robert Downing (Barbara) and Darlene Downing. Keith is survived by his children; Brian Downing (Heather Maddox), Jennifer (JR) Larkins, and Rhonda Downing (Shawn Washington), his grandchildren; Jayce Larkins, Evan Larkins and Lavell Washington, as well as his siblings; Kevin Downing (Sandra), Karen Middleton (Ron), Kim Downing and Kelly Downing, his aunt DeAnne Morrow, and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Hall in Willow Creek on Saturday, February 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. The family would like to invite Keith’s friends and all whom loved him to attend. This is a potluck, so we welcome you all to bring one of your favorite dishes.

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