Richard C. KershWillow Creek, CARichard Charles Kersh, 65, of Willow Creek CA died peacefully on Jan. 2, 2017, after an 18 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 1951, in Sacramento, CA. Richard was a fourth generation Californian.Dick attended Redding schools, graduating from Enterprise High in 1969, where he was recognized as an outstanding wrestler at high school and college levels. Richard attended Chico State on a wrestling scholarship and was a state chamnpion in his division. He had also attended Redding Judo Academy while in High School and earned a Brown belt in Judo.Dick was a wonderfully supportive husband, father, and son. He approached life with the attitude if it was worth doing, you should do it well! This attitude carried him through a 37 year career in wildland fire management. Dick served 32 years with the Forest Service on five forests. He worked in all areas of wildland fire: firefighter, engine crew, helitack crew, hot shot, smokejumper, and operations chief. Dick retired from the Six Rivers N.F. in 2004 and immediately went to work supporting the BIA/Hoopa Wildland Fire program as the Chief of Operations until fall 2009. In 2010 he picked up a hammer and fell in love with the Blacksmith craft and its community. Dick's last Blacksmith demonstration was in September 2016. He will truly be missed by his friends and community. Dick was preceded in death by his father Robert C. Kersh. He is survived by his mother, Emily Kersh; wife, Judy Kersh; daughter, Katherine (Jason) Redding; and granddaughters Elizabeth and Alexis Redding of Alexandria, Virginia; sister Alice Bowles of Loomis; Robert's son John (Rosemary) Kersh of Westwood; Judy's daughter Callie (Mike) Lutz and numerous loving nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration of life will be held in early summer. In light of the outstanding palliative care support Dick received, memorial contributions can be made to the non-profit Resolution Care, 2440 23rd Street, Eureka, CA or Hospice of Humbolt.Please sign the guest book at http://obits.redding.com