Richard Wesley Keith

1936 - 2025

Richard Wesley Keith, known to many as ""Wes,"" passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on February 25, 1936, in Oakland, California , Richard spent his early years in Piedmont, attending Brete Harte Junior High School, Mt. Diablo High School and Oakland High School. He often reminisced about delivering newspapers as a boy and the sobering lessons of growing up during wartime. In 1951, his family moved to the small farming town of Maxwell, where his father served as the resident deputy for the Sheriff's Department. Maxwell's small-town charm suited him well, and he relished his time on the high school football team before graduating in 1953. After high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served as an aircraft mechanic from 1956 through 1959 earning a good conduct medal. His service took him far from home-Germany, England, and Africa-fueling his lifelong curiosity about the world. Richard studied physics and mathematics through the Community College of the Air Force and his military training included completing the U.S. Air Force Aircraft Mechanics School at Amarillo AFB in Texas and attending courses at Sembach Air Base in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he made his way back to California, settling in Colusa and completing an Associate Degree in Business from Yuba College. Richard married Marta Sachudy in 1961 and for the next 60 years, they built a home, raised a family, and navigated life's joys and challenges side by side. Throughout his life, Richard was known for his ability to befriend anyone and never met a stranger. He enjoyed running marathons with River Runners, playing tennis well into his later years, and even assisted the Colusa High School tennis team for a short time. Whenever possible, he also loved fishing. Richard's early career included Davison Drug Store, where he worked in the camera department. There, he developed a love for photography that became a constant thread throughout his life. He earned a certificate from Eastman-Kodak in Equipment and Sales then shifted careers in 1973, working for the Colusa County Road Department. He retired in the early nineties and kept busy running errands for Marta, helping at the local voting booths, farm shows, county fairs and spending countless hours at the donut shop in Colusa, catching up with friends and analyzing the news of the day. Richard was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynold and Katherine Rogers-Keith; wife Marta Sachudy Keith, sister, Beverly Daniels; niece, Ileen Cupido; and nephews, Chris Keith and Anthony Keith. He leaves behind his brothers Raymond Keith and Robert (Rohn) Keith; daughters Loree (Rick) Grenz, Stephanie (Brian) Coffman, Jennifer (Larry) Cleek, and Wendy Keith; grandchildren Haley (Scott), Emily, Morgan, McKenna, Allie, Cody, Ridge; great-grandchildren Quinn, Adrian, Khalia; nephews Steve (Laura) Daniels, Jeff Daniels, Kevin Keith, Jeremy Keith; niece Mary Kay Stephenson and several great nieces and great nephews. Richard will be remembered for his deep love of family, his steady wisdom, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pacifica Country Crest Assisted Living in Oroville, California for the compassionate care and comfort they provided during Richard's final years. Visitation will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, from 4:30PM to 7:00PM at Scheer Memorial Chapel 2410 Foothill Blvd, Oroville, CA 95966. Graveside service with military honors will be held Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM (10:30AM ceremony) at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA 95620.