Obituary of Keith Kountz

Born on July 14, 1966, Keith Kountz left this earth too soon on January 23, 2014 after a short but difficult battle with bone cancer. For the past 14 years, Keith made his home in Soquel with his husband Scott Newland and their two dogs Bella and Austin. He had a beautiful spirit, a culinary gift and a true green thumb. Born in Quincy, California and raised in San Jose, Keith attended Pioneer High School and shortly thereafter, enlisted in the Marines. For the last 24 years, Keith worked for FedEx in both San Jose and Soquel. He loved training new couriers and was always patient and willing to help anyone in need. Everyone who knew Keith was familiar with his generosity and graciousness. Whether two-legged or four-legged, he had a soft spot for both people and animals. Keith is survived by his husband, Scott Newland, his mother Rouchann Kountz, his sister Theresa Cape, their dogs Austin and Bella and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister, Kristine Kountz. Keith's family would like to thank Christina Lofgren, Julie Giguere, Candace Muncey, Maureen Goulet, Libby Paige, Tracy Asleson, Hospice of Santa Cruz and fellow employees at FedEx and PG&E for their love and support. Services will be held at Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd, Santa Cruz, 95065, on February 2nd, 2014 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Operation Freedom Paws (http://operationfreedompaws.org/), a wonderful charity that trains rescue dogs as companions for disabled veterans, supporting two of Keith's lifetime causes, dogs and the military.