Kenneth "Hoot" Duane Black

Lifelong Siskiyou County resident, Kenneth Duane Black, passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2016 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. He was 62 years old. Kenneth, better known to many in the community as “Hoot,” was born on March 13, 1953 to Oscar and Lena Mae Black in Yreka. Ken was a member of the Karuk Tribe, and spent much of his life and time in the outdoors, specifically down the Klamath River. Ken married Valerie Carter at Greenhorn Park in Yreka on March 31, 1988, and the couple has been married for the last 27 years. Ken spent time working as a choker setter for Fisher Logging and several other outfits. Ken continued to work much of his life as a woodcutter, frequenting the areas of Doggett Creek, Beaver Creek, Empire Creek, Lumgrey Creek, etc. Ken coupled his love of fishing by working as a driftboat fishing guide on the Klamath River. In more recent years, he worked as a janitor for Jackson Street School, where he retired from in 2013. Ken also lived for hunting season, particularly for deer, quail, and grouse. He spent his entire hunting career down the Klamath River, utilizing his keen knowledge of the area to put meat in the freezer nearly every year. Another of Ken’s passions was playing softball. He was known for his unlimited arc while pitching, earning the title “Strikeout King” repeatedly, and routinely forcing some of the best hitters to strike out. Ken was also excelled at playing horseshoes, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. On top of everything, Ken was a family man: a loving husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a wonderful Papa to children and grandchildren, whether they were his or not! Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, most recently, his mother, Lena Mae Black in July of 2015. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Valerie; two children from a previous marriage, Kristina and Kenneth (Sherry) and their children, Brennan, Iveyonna, and Jayden; his children, Sierra (Logan) Black, Chris (Caitlin) Black, Skyler Black, and Shashonie Roberts, all of Yreka, and their children, Kierstyn, Peyton, Kynzi, and Easton. He is also survived by his siblings: Gary, Gerrald, Richard, Barbara Williams, and Sharon Hatten; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service with potluck luncheon will be held for Kenneth on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 12 noon at the Klamath River Community Hall in Klamath River.

Kenneth "Hoot" Duane Black

March 13, 1953 - January 13, 2016