Keith Rae Darling was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota on April 18, 1933. He passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2018 at home in Eureka. He attended elementary and high school in Spokane, Washington.
He was one of several high school graduates who moved to Arcata in 1951 to attend what was then known as Humboldt State College and to play football for their coach, the late Phil Sarboe. He played football and baseball at HSC. He graduated from Humboldt State in 1955 with a B.A. in Education.
He was drafted to the U.S. Army in 1956 where he played football for the Regimental Team. After serving two years in the military, Keith returned to Humboldt State College & obtained his general secondary teaching credential. Keith (“Coach”) began his teaching career at Eureka Senior High School in 1958 where he taught Driver’s Education, U.S. History, Problems in American Democracy (PAD), Civics and Health.
His coaching career included head baseball coach (6 championships, 3 teams finishing undefeated), gymnastics coach, assistant football coach for the late Dick Renfro & Mark Melendy, cross-country track coach (the girls team won the first North Coast Section championship at Eureka High), golf coach for 14 years (13 out of 14 years were championship in the Humboldt-Del Norte League; 2nd place in the North Coast Section, and 4th place in the North State). Keith was honored in 1992 as the North Coast Section Golf Honor Coach out of 14,038 member schools. His philosophy was to always give credit to team members, praise their abilities, help shape their attitudes, and encourage them in life.
A quote from former colleague was “Keith is a man who recognizes that the real victories in sport are not always recorded on scoreboards and in newspapers. Keith’s victories are measured by the improved quality of life he has brought the many athletes, coaches, parents, teachers and fans he has touched”. “Mr. Darling” was P.E. Department Chair for 20 years at EHS; he officiated football for 12 years; officiated basketball for over 20 years in the Humboldt-Del Norte League Association.
; then was elected by the League Administrators as Basketball Commissioner which duties he fulfilled for 5 years. In 1997 he was awarded honorary life membership in Six Rivers Basketball Officials Association. Keith retired from Eureka High School in 1992 after 34 years of dedication to the students.
Many former students continue to keep in touch and comments heard about his teaching style were “he was tough, but he was fair”. He was an avid golfer who was proud of his 6 holes-in-one. He was a member of the Eureka First Church of the Nazarene where he proudly served as head usher for many years and where he enjoyed fellowship with everyone.
Keith also enjoyed traveling and spending time at their winter home in Arizona where he made many good “snowbird” friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Thelma Darling of Spokane, Washington; his brother, Creighton Darling of Spokane; mother-in-law Laura Schuler of Eureka. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sheila Darling; son Keith F. Darling; daughter Lynn Darling Wolfe and her husband Daryl; grandsons Andrew Darling, and Jacob Darling; sister, Kathleen Hess of Spokane, Wshington, and special nieces & nephews.
Thank you to the thoughtful, caring folks at Hospice of Humboldt, to our wonderful Church family and to our loving, caring friends who have given such comfort & support. Our family is truly blessed. Arrangements are under the care of Sanders Funeral Home.
Viewing will be on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eureka Nazarene Church, Humboldt & E Streets, reception following.
Burial at Ocean View Cemetery Monday, Nov. 26 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Berti, officiating. To share memories or express condolences, please sign guest book.
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