Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Gregory Keyes Obituary
Gregory Keyes passed away in his sleep on April 3, 2018 in Oroville, California. Greg and his wife Melissa Keyes, moved to Northern California on March 2, 2018 to realize their dream of retirement in their Oroville hilltop home.
Gregory Howard Keyes was born in Inglewood, California on September 26, 1951. His childhood was rich in many ways, especially in his uncles and fathers' orderly garages, where autos, tractors, cycles, and airplanes foretold a destiny. Knowledge of tools and "parts" became Greg's playground. He inherited a propensity of quality results in his genes, and it would follow him throughout his life, in work and recreation.
A move to Long Beach, California took place in 1962, where Greg attended Mark Twain Elementary School, Hoover Junior High, Lakewood High School, and Long Beach City College from the centrally located Lakewood Village. He joined the Air Force and lived in Alaska and South Carolina during his service. Greg was a carpenter and Structural Supervisor in the Public Service Division of the City of Long Beach. Greg and his wife of almost 21 years, Melissa Keyes, pursued many activities and city-related affairs for work and for their community. They were a match made in Long Beach; Greg's heart's delight was Melissa and vice versa.
The years of work for the City of Long Beach never stopped the travels and side trips of the Keyes'. Their RV "Jewel" has been a second home. Many miles and states saw Jewel with Greg behind the wheel, doing one of the things he loved best. Many visits were made; friends and family alike, crossing the states.
Greg Keyes was a humble yet extraordinary man. His gregarious nature and natural ability was admired and will be remembered in his accomplishments and antics. He spent much of his days helping others. From his dear friend Jesse, to his brother from another mother Albert, no one cared more than he and he showed it every day.
Greg Keyes leaves his wife Melissa Keyes, his daughters Deanna Lynn Rose, Christina Behrendt and Lindsey Keyes; stepson Daniel Pearson and his wife Sarah, sister Margaret Keyes, niece Megan Kaplinsky and nephew Alan Rosenquist. Grandchildren include Zachory Rose, Abbygail Rose, and Kaitlyn Strick. Great Grandson Corey James Strick arrived on April 8, 2018. A great granddaughter is expected in July.
Greg was a proud veteran and was active with a local non-profit organization The Rock Club, specifically the Rock for Vets. His wife requests that anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory, do so by visiting their website at www.musicistheremedy.org. A Celebration of Life is planned in Long Beach in the coming months. Arrangements are entrusted to Oroville Funeral Home, Oroville California. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Keyes
33 Entries
Karen Hester
May 31, 2018
Melissa ... my dear friend. "Your Gregory" was one of a kind. His smile and caring ways would brighten up any place he went. The love he had for you showed through in the way he looked and smiled at you!! I feel blessed being part of your lives. I love you.
May 11, 2018
Hi Melissa,
I knew Greg when he was a carpenter for the City. I am the Chair, Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane this will be my 30th year. He became one of my best buddy's. He worked on a lot of the display's on Daisy. He was always there to help me in any way he could. He was a good friend. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Please let us know when you will have the memorial service for him. God Bless you and your family.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Maria Norvell
Kathleen Costello-Pitts
May 4, 2018
Dear Melissa. We want you to know that we thought Greg was such a nice, considerate man. I remember how caring he was for yiur mother when she was so ill. He was comfortable with every one he met and we enjoyed his sense of humor. It was a pleasure to have known him. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Kathleen and Mike
Jyl Marden
May 1, 2018
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with Greg during his service to the City of Long Beach. He was always such a kind, gentle, can-do person that could always be counted on. Melissa, I know how devoted he was to you and your family, and I hope you find peace in the memories of the wonderful times you shared. Rest In Peace, Greg; you will always be remembered.
Ramez Karma
May 1, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jerry and Cindy French
April 29, 2018
Rest in Peace Greg.
Mary Newlander
April 27, 2018
Never a picture of Greg without his dogs or his beloved Melissa. Go in peace, my friend. Keep a warm spot for Melissa but don't worry waiting. We plan to keep her around a long time.Greg was always smiling. What a fantastic human. Our love to all who are grievingThe Newlanders
April 27, 2018
As Margaret's friend, I am so sorry for your loss. I can tell he was loved very much. Bonny Walsh
Kathie Grubb
April 27, 2018
You were so kind to everyone! You never met a stranger-
Kelli Wilkerson
April 27, 2018
A true and loyal friend. Who was always there for all. Gentle soul. You will never be forgotten. Always be loved. Will always remember the laughs we had. The joy. Thank you for the wonderful friendship we had the open arms.. I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life. You and Melissa shared a wonderful life together. that everyone loved. And she will love and remember And tell your great grandchildren all about you. This isn't goodbye this is see you again someday... Scooby doo!!! xoxo
kelly coleman
April 27, 2018
I truly feel a loss that I never got to meet this amazing man. I would have liked to have thanked him for his service, and to thank him for being "THE WORLD" to my friend Melissa . It doesn't happen for everyone, to find their Soul Mate. They did. I will make sure that whenever I speak to my friend , she will share a piece of him with me so I may know his greatness. RIP Greg Keys and please watch over my friend, for I love her too....
Joan Luoto Rust
April 27, 2018
Greg and the Keyes, a thread though a whole lifetime. There is so much to remember.....
Janette Williams/Rock for Vets
April 27, 2018
A big man with an even bigger heart. Always greeted me with a great big smile and a hug. He will be missed. ❤
Crystal Petersen
April 27, 2018
I will miss my friend dearly ... #talldrinkofwater
Jaime Gloria Kaplinsky
April 27, 2018
All our love for that nice family
Ray McCarty
April 27, 2018
Mr Keyes, do they have Nascar in Heaven? My friend you"ll be missed for sure:
Pam Worthy
April 27, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jonathan Tyra
April 27, 2018
Loved Greg, he was a GREAT guy. Always a KIND word and a warm HUG!!! He will be greatly missed. *beep* *beep* until we meet AGAIN!!!
Dale Lauer
April 27, 2018
My thoughts go out to the family. I only met him once, many years ago, when he came to Tucson to visit my daughter-in-law, Christina Behrendt. I recall he was a very nice and friendly man.
Sarah Pearson
April 27, 2018
We love you so, so much Greg! You were a shining light in this world!
L Bolin
April 27, 2018
What a beautiful tribute to Greg. I never met him but can see through the beautifully written obituary that he was loved and will be missed. May you find comfort in family, friends and God during this difficult time.
N S
April 27, 2018
What a special soul Greg was and hes definitely always looking down on his family including his amazing and kind hearted beautiful wife Melissa. He truly was the sweetest and most humble guy always making you laugh and smile with his presence.
Chris Garner
April 27, 2018
Melissa, had the opportunity and privelage to work with Greg during his days in Public Service. Always helpful, always got the job done with a smile. Take comfort in all the great memories you two created over the years.
Frank and Margie Hall
April 27, 2018
Greg was a neighbor often seen riding his bike down the alley or driving by with his pups in the truck. He always had a smile, some neighborhood news and some laughs for us. He was a special friend. Frank & Margie Hall.
Megan Kaplinsky
April 27, 2018
I miss you, Uncle Greg.
Seena & Dennis Zamrzla
April 27, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Loren Brooks
April 27, 2018
I was grateful for the opportunity to meet Greg, what a friendly and personal person he was. I know he is looking down from heaven and is watching over Melissa.
Melissa FGriego-Fisher
April 27, 2018
What a beautiful tribute. Although I never met Greg, I feel I knew him through his smile and crystal blue eyes, in all the great photos posted on fb by his loving wife. My sincere condolences to Melissa and all family and friends. Memories are your treasure.
John Kunkle
April 27, 2018
"Greg Keyes was a humble yet extraordinary man. His gregarious nature and natural ability was admired" I couldn't have expressed my feelings about Greg any more succinctly! He warmed the room with his presence and sense of humor. I'm fortunate to have known him!
Melinda Evans
April 27, 2018
Heaven now has another Angel. Rest in peace Greg, and when youre in heaven Paul is waiting for you. With open arms . Until we meet again
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Gregory Keyes's name
How to support Gregory's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gregory Keyes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more