Keith Merrill Pimentel

Keith Merrill Pimentel was an only child born to Gilbert and Eileen Pimentel on April 17, 1941. He was raised on the Pimentel Dairy in Big Springs where he developed his love for the outdoors and shared his love with his three cousins that were more like sisters and a brother to him: Nancy, Sandra and Larry. He attended Big Springs Elementary School and Yreka High School, graduating in 1959. He married the love of his life, Louise Hitchcock on March 11, 1961 and they made their home in Weed, California where they raised 3 children: Tag, Tony and Denise. He provided for his family by working in various job titles in the local timber industry: International Paper Company, Morgan Doors and Highridge Lumber Company. After retirement from the timber industry, he then worked for his brother-in-law, Dennis at Hanon’s Floors to Go as the paint specialist. Keith had many interests: among them were hunting (rifle and bow) and fishing. He was a Black Powder enthusiast and attended many Rendezvous. He also had a love of making hand crafted knives. He coached Little League Baseball for many years while his sons participated on the local teams. His team was the Weed Athletics. He drove his sons and daughter many miles throughout the North State to attend numerous sporting events. He was an active member of the Weed Boosters Club while his sons and daughter attended Weed High School. Needless to say, he was very proud of his children, his wife and his grandchildren. He lost his leg in a car accident at a young age; however he never let this prevent him from enjoying his love of the great outdoors. Keith had quite a sense of humor whereby he amused his son’s friends by directing them to “hit” his prosthetic leg and then laugh. He also was not surprised when his sons would bring their young friends in to show them his “Little Leg”. He will be missed by many, most notably, his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Louise, sons Tag (Liz), Tony (Debbie), daughter Denise, and grandchildren: Kaylee, Cody, Andrew and Katie Pimentel. Aunts: Blanche, Mary Jane, Twila and Gracia; cousins: Larry, Nancy, Sandra, Donna, Pat, Mike, Lyda, Craig, Susan, David and Gary. He was preceded in death by father Gilbert, mother Eileen, mother-in-law Helen, his uncle Ronald and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2:00 at Girdner Funeral Chapel with a reception to be held at the Montague Community Hall following the service. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and the Good News Rescue Mission in Redding, California. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Keith Merrill Pimentel

April 17, 1941 - March 13, 2011