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Kieth Kiehl Obituary
Kieth Allan Kiehl was born July 3, 1953 at Garden City, Kansas and left this world on December 19, 2012 in Auburn, Washington after a brief battle with cancer.
Kieth was a graduate of South Kitsap High School and attended the University of Washington.
Kieth had a lifetime involvement with the motion picture theater business, his father, mother, brother, and younger sister having been managers of indoor and drive-in theaters in Pierce and King Counties. He spent most of his working life in the theater management business and managed several drive-in theaters in the Puget Sound region and many indoor theatres in New York City. His most recent theater was the Valley Six Drive-In Theater in Auburn.
Kieth had countless close friends in that industry, especially in Auburn and will be remembered for his kindness and his giving and philanthropic nature.
Kieth is survived by his partner of 32 years, Greg Hammock; brother Kevin Kiehl and his children Justin, Jeremy, Joshua and Kyrie; nieces Libya Vogt (and family Joseph and Charlie) and Rachael Caudill (and family Joel, Emma and Paige); aunts and uncles (Wanda Stinzi, Mae Wood, Gail Purdy and Robert Kiehl); cousins Jackie Kiehl and Randy Duval, Chris Kiehl, Cherie Jonas, Ricky and Jennifer Dye, Robin Barstow, Christine and Todd Jonson, Steve Diibon, Dwain Bierig, Rhonda Middleton, Rubin Bierig and several "adopted" family members (particularly David Factory).
Kieth was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Bell Kiehl; sisters Kate Taylor and Karla Kaiser.
Kieth will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service and celebration of Kieth's life will be announced at a later date. Please contact [email protected] if you would like information on this memorial.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kieth Kiehl
Crystal
January 29, 2013
You brought joy to so many people with the drive in and it is a shame that you passed away shortly after the closure of valley 6. I remember going to valley 6 when I was in high school and still went through last summer.....22 years for me of pure fun....you gave that to everyone. I live across from the drive in and will be very sad to watch it go. My heart goes out to your family and friends as they have lost 2 Loves in 1.
Crystal
January 29, 2013
You brought joy to so many people with the drive in and it is a shame that you passed away shortly after the closure of valley 6. I remember going to valley 6 when I was in high school and still went through last summer with my little one who LOVED IT.....22 years for me of pure fun....you gave that to everyone. I live across from the drive in and will be very sad to watch it go. My heart goes out to your family and friends as they have lost 2 Loves in 1.
January 29, 2013
I will surely miss the valley six drive in,I went there and to the midway drive in theaters as a child the as an adult .When I had my own children I took them there and as my children grew into adults they stared to go there every summer with there friends!It was one of the fun and affordable thing that families could do together!I will truly miss it,because now I won't be able to take my grand children thaky you much Keith and so sorry for the loss of aloved one who brought much fun and joy into my life!
3 minutes ago · Edited · Like
Jesse Horn
January 29, 2013
Kieth,
May you rest in peace.. It was great working with you during the summers I worked with you in high school.
Barbra Williams
January 29, 2013
Kieth, you will always be in my heart as my dear friend from school, my beloved Ambrose to your Ermengarde in "Hello, Dolly!", and my Sonny to your Cher at class reunions. You made everything associated with school in all the years I knew you pure fun, and I'll always be grateful for the memories we made, and continued to share until the end. Rest in Peace, Kieth. Until we meet again, Barbra
Dori Hinze
January 29, 2013
you will be missed friend lots of memories ( smiling ) at the valley 6
January 28, 2013
I am so sorry to hear that Kieth has passed away. I never knew him personally, but I have happy memories of the drive in. I was planning on returning to catch a show next summer. I really hate to see our drive in go. Thanks Kieth for all the happy times there!
Donna Moneymaker
January 23, 2013
I work at the Fred Meyer pharmacy and just heard about Kieth's passing. I always enjoyed talking to him and will miss our little interactions. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Adam Arntson
January 10, 2013
A dear friend for half my life. My wife and I met working at the drive-inn 17 years 20 years ago. Although we didn't see eachother often, it was a pleasure everytime we did. You will be missed. Greg - Jenn and I are both very sorry for your loss.
January 8, 2013
Greg I am thinking of you and wish you the best and I know how hard it is for you..you can call any time if you want and just know I am thinking of you and our Kieth all the time. Thank you for
sharing him with me and I will never forget....the fun...and jokes...mostly on me..ha.
luv and saying a prayer for you.
Dolly
Greg Hammock
January 8, 2013
Thank you all on behalf of Kieth, our families, and myself. There is a lot of love here. Many of you I've never met, but know of through Kieth. (I've heard your name countless times Murt. Now Kieth and Doug can reminisce the good times.)
fonda marr
January 6, 2013
although, i had not seen him for years,i know him through his brother kevin, and also the drive inns, keith was always so polite, and kind, and i remember his partner gregg. both very good people. he will be missed greatly.
Kenn Sandell
January 4, 2013
Pam and I remember Kieth with great fondness from our college days and fraternity. Although we haven't seen Kieth for more than 30 years, we will always remember his gentle spirit and integrity.
Kenn and Pam
Mike Legg
January 2, 2013
Greg,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike
Denise Bendiksen
January 2, 2013
Kieth you will be missed by anyone who knew you. My heart goes out to Greg and your family.
Tina Boudreau
January 1, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear that Kieth is gone. He was the best boss I ever had and was the main reason I kept returning to the drive in for many years. We shared the same birthday though 30 years apart and he will always hold a special place in my heart.
Murt Gresh
January 1, 2013
I loved him as a little brother. Such good memories and we had a special relationship. Love to you Greg. I am so very sorry we never met.
December 31, 2012
Kieth,
Always said you were the best boss ever, and a terrific friend,never forget all you did for me.Miss you alot.
Love,
Dolly & Girls
Larry Kiehl
December 31, 2012
Dear Greg
I wish i could have met Kieth years ago but i didnt but I am glad I got to meet and talk to him at the kiehl reunion in Tulsa he will be missed but not forgotten From Larry.Andrea.Crystal.Justin.KIEHl
December 31, 2012
I am so happy I had a chance to see Keith this past spring at the Family Reunion, that will now be my special final memory of the friend and cousin I have known for so many years. My heart goes out to all who love him. Sheila (Wood) Hedlund
Jennifer Dye
December 31, 2012
We will miss you Kieth. You were always generous and caring, and we loved your sense of humor and easy-going attitude. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
Vonnie
December 31, 2012
I remember Kieth's great sense of humor, the warm feeling just being around him. Memory Eternal Kieth.
Angel
December 31, 2012
Kieth was my manager back in the Autoview days. He was a good friend with a heart of gold. I will miss him. My concolences to Greg and the Kiehl family.
michael coulter
December 31, 2012
will miss you ,guy ..
Elaine Wheatley
December 31, 2012
Kieth will always have a special place in my heart. He was a good friend and will be missed by many. Such a kind soul!!
Doug/Damian Jenkins
December 31, 2012
Dear Greg & Kiehl Family,
We were sadden to hear of your loss. We've known Kieth for many years and have many fond memories of Kieth and the Kiehl Family. Such as, Forman and United Christmas Parties,as well as the Drive Ins and Swap Meets. You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and carry you through your time of sorrow.
Briana Brooks
December 30, 2012
Kieth (sunshine), I can truly say that even though I feel I didn't know as long as I could have hoped, I'm glad I knew you. My world is dimmer without you in it. I carry you in my heart and memories.
Gary Hammock
December 30, 2012
Kieth, you were a member of our family for many, many years, and we will miss you.
Duval Martha
December 30, 2012
Greg, It is though you that I know Keith and I wish for you blessings and love as you work through this difficult time, knowing you are never alone in the process. Love and Light, Martha
December 30, 2012
ultimatly the best boss to work for. my condolences for all those who knew him.
Joanne Grant
December 30, 2012
You were an amazing friend. You will live in my heart and memories forever! I will miss you!!
December 30, 2012
I will always miss your kindness, wonderful hospitality and sense of humor. You know I considered you another of my sons..... Carol Lowe
William (Bil) Leak
December 30, 2012
I was saddened to recently learn of Keith's passing. We were fraternity brothers, and UW Husky's. He was a good man, a caring brother, very kind, and with a great whit.
UW '73/PKP #987
December 30, 2012
Kieth will always live in our hearts and memories, but I will still miss you, brother.
Chuck
Greg Hammock
December 30, 2012
Kieth, you'll always be in the hearts of those who knew you, and especially me, Buster, and Dommie.
Dafna Zadok
December 30, 2012
Dear Greg,
My deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Kieth. He will be remembered for his kindness and mischief and nights of Pictionary and Black Adder.
May he rest in peace!
Love- Dafna
Kyle Crews
December 30, 2012
Keith was a fraternity brother of mine(Phi Kappa Psi) at the U of W and a great guy.He talked his dad into getting me a summer job at the Auto-View Drive In.They both had the movie theater business in their blood.
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