William Moore: Local Coach and Boxer Who Died at Age 94

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William (Bill/Coach Moore) Killeen Moore passed away peacefully at the age of 94 surrounded by family in Fortuna CA on June 6th 2019. He was born on August 8th 1924 in Marlinton West Virginia, where he grew up and graduated high school. After graduating he entered the Navy 1943-1946 and served in WWII as a Pharmacist 2nd Mate. He then met and married Mary Margaret McQuain on June 6th 1947 in Elkins West Virginia and honeymooned to California where they stayed to finish college and begin a family.

His attraction to Humboldt County was driven by his Uncle Vern & Aunt Ally (Moore) and Jim and Virginia (Moore) & families from Fortuna CA who owned property on Bear River. where Bill purchased land on the Bear River. Once in California he continued his education at Humboldt State University where he graduated with a BS Physical Education degree and began his teaching and coaching career in Hoopa, CA. During his coaching at Hoopa, he would make extra money as an Amateur Boxer at the Eureka Auditorium. He and Mary Margaret then moved to Fort Bragg, CA where he continued both teaching and coaching. Their daughter and both sons where born in Fort Bragg, CA. In 1960, Bill moved the family to San Luis Obispo where he taught for one year and decided to come back to Eureka where he once again continued to teach and coach. He wanted to be closer to the Bear River summer cabin.

He retired after 34 years of teaching where he continued to enjoy his family, sports, golfing, gardening and especially the Bear River cabin. His favorite thing was having his whole family out at Bear River for hunting, fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed spending the California winters in Arizona with friends. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 72 years, never missed a day visiting his wife while in Fortuna Rehab and Wellness Center and came with a chocolate sundae and coke in hand from McDonald’s daily.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Margaret Moore and his two brothers Stanley and Daniel Moore. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Margaret Moore, his children Francee Duckett (Dave Duckett) of Granite Bay. CA, his sons Jonathan Moore (Rosie Moore) of Redway, CA and Shannon Moore (Mary Moore) of Granite Bay, CA. His grandchildren Brian Duckett, Dulcey Masters (Jered Masters) and Colin Duckett of Sacramento, CA. William Moore and AJ Moore (Savoie Moore) of Redway, CA. As well as, Michael Moore, Jason Moore and Kathryn Moore of Granite Bay, CA. He had one great granddaughter Sydney Masters and two great grandsons Mason and Gavin Masters.

The family will have a celebration of life in a couple of months, details to follow. Donations may be made to the VA; Hospice of Humboldt or your favorite charity. Special thanks to Fortuna Health and Wellness and their staff, the VA and Hospice for their loving care for Bill.