Obituary of Richard Moore Keim

Richard Moore “Dick” Keim, passed away in his sleep at his son’s house on November 27, 2014. His sudden passing was a surprise to us all having survived cancer 2 years ago. Dick was born in Tuscon, Az. on December 9, 1933 to Joseph and Mildred Keim. Dick graduated from the California State University, Fresno in 1954 with a degree in both Agronomy and Viticulture and began a career in the produce industry that spanned over 60 years. Dick loved to travel having boasted that he had visited over 47 countries in his lifetime, including a trip to march with the penguins. While visiting Costa Rica in the late 90’s, he bought a condo there, having fallen in love with the country and the people. After his wife, Cill, passed in 2006, he retired, sold their house in Vista, Ca. and moved to Costa Rica to begin a new chapter of his life. These 8 years in Costa Rica were some of his happiest. He met some wonderful people who became an extension of his own family. There was a beauty in seeing this country through his eyes if you were fortunate enough to have him as a guide. It was as though he had found his home. In the first few years he used his condo as a base and traveled throughout Central America. However, it did not take long for him to return to the produce industry, first as a consultant, and eventually as an employee of West Coast Tomato Growers in Oceanside, Ca. He was still a vital part of this industry that he loved when he passed. In addition to traveling, Dick also loved reading, photography and animals. His home and computer are filled with photos of plants and animals from his excursions to Africa, Panama and Antarctica to name a few. He and Cill spent many years on a ranch in Perris, Ca. where they bred exotic birds. Most recently he shared his home with a Toucan named Coco in Costa Rica. Our lives are richer for having known him. He will be missed. Pura vida. Dick is survived by his son, Joe Keim, his daughter, Kristie Keim, his granddaughter, Lauren Keim, and his two sisters, Sue Martindale and Joyce Shepherd. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cill Keim, his son, Ross Keim and his parents Joseph and Mildred Keim. A memorial will be held in early 2015 as a celebration of his life. Memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Society or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.