Arthur “Keith” Thomsson: ‘He Dazzled Us With His Passion for Food’
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Aug. 16th, 1947- Mar. 16th, 2016Keith sadly passed away suddenly on March 16th, 2016 in Ocala, Florida of heart failure.
Those who spoke about Keith adored him, his love for food was infectious. He pursued his love for food at the young age of 16 where he began cooking as a vocation with a chef in San Francisco, then would go onto work as a Chef in Waikiki, HI.
In 1986 he relocated to Humboldt County where he dazzled us with his passion for food and put The Tree’s Restaurant in Garberville on the map, Sadly in 1994 the restaurant tragically burnt to the ground.But, that didn’t keep him down, in 1995 Keith, his son Scott and daughter Brandi created “Keith’s at Hartsook” where we enjoyed his delicious food until 1998.
Keith later relocated to Ocala, Florida where he currently resided with his son Zachary. He was a chef at a Sorority house at the University of Florida.”His Dream Job” He loved going to work.
He missed the California redwoods greatly and came to visit every summer and he had hoped to retire back here one day.
Keith was a huge fan of the S.F. 49ers, he loved golfing , fishing, and of course cooking. He was the most patient teacher as well. Keith loved his family, friends and life. He will be greatly missed but always remembered as he left his mark with all that knew him. Keith was a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandpa and friend to all.
Keith leaves behind Son Scott Thomsson (Felicia), Daughter Brandi Pritting (Phil), Son Zachary Thomsson, Grand-daughters Alexis Pritting & Zoie Thomsson, Brother Craig Thomsson (Barbara) , Sister Patricia Henegar (David), and numerous nieces and nephews, CT, Rachel & Ava Thomsson, Mark & Morgan Thomsson, Sonny, Jaime, Sean-Patrick, Ryan & Shannon Henegar
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I did Kieth’s refrigeration work at the Trees Restaurant in Garberville. I was always impressed with his attention to detail. He would make fresh Hollandaise Sauce for each order of eggs benedict. What kitchen does that? We miss his restaurant. His leaving was a great loss to our community.
I too was sad when Keith left for Florida. Very nice man. Very good food. Sorry to hear this.
I worked at Hartsook with Keith and his family. Fond memories and some good food. Condolences to his family.
Keith chef don and sue serving early 90s best food for price I ever had parmesan halibut Macy’s and of course the carrots
Keith, you were a good man…. when the county was taking most of my income for back child support, you would slip me a foil wrapped meal, or have me come back after closing for ‘leftovers. I will never forget your kindness and generosity -I hope I’ve been half the generous soul that you were/are!