Henry J (Hank) Kee
May 4, 1947-January 14, 2021 Vallejo
Henry (Hank) J. Kee was born in Oakland, CA to Henry and Juanita Kee, and moved to Vallejo, CA where he spent his life. Hank was 73 years old at the time of his death. He died peacefully on January 14, 2021 after a long illness.
Hank grew up in Vallejo and graduated from Vallejo High School in 1965. While attending high school, he ran track and cross country. After graduation, Hank started work with an apprenticeship program at Mare Island. In April 1966, he joined the Navy Seabees spending two nine-month tours of duty in Viet Nam, 1967 and 1968 as a builder. He spent those tours constructing various buildings, barracks, and aircraft runways throughout Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged in 1969 as a BU3, and returned home to Vallejo.
Ever the jack of all trades, Hank held various jobs during his life journey. As a bartender at a local restaurant, he was quiet and a good listener which made him perfect for this profession. Eventually, Hank transitioned into truck driving, a job he excelled at. He was an owner-operator, while working for a moving company and crisscrossing the country, taking him to all but three states! However, he realized that he wanted to be closer to his family, so he found driving jobs that would keep him closer, or home more often. With various trucking companies he hauled insulation, paper goods, glass, and hazardous waste. In the years leading up to Hank’s retirement, he worked for Skaggs Trucking hauling rock, gravel, any type of road construction material.
Hank loved camping with family and his large group of close friends, a love shared by his children and grandchildren. He loved the daily walks he took with his wife and his beloved dog, Misty. He loved collecting magnets; he had many different sizes, shapes and loved to share them with everyone. Also, he loved collecting keys, mainly skeleton keys. Needless to say his pockets were full of both. There were so many little things that made Hank so special.
Hank met and married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Johnson in 1967. They celebrated 53 years of marriage last October. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; daughter, Kellee (Christopher); and son, Ken (Gena); three grandchildren, Cheyenne, Tony (Isabel), and Devin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Juanita Kee; and brothers, Roy and Russell Kee.
Hank will be remembered for his quiet wit, silent teasing, and his playful side with all of those he touched. Most of all, he will be remembered for unmeasured work ethics, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
I would like to thank Kam Gantan and her staff at Greenhills Care Home for giving Hank such loving care during his struggle. He was treated with care, compassion and dignity while in their care.
Due to Covid-19, internment will be at a later date at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Human Society of the North Bay, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Skyview Memorial Lawn, 707-644-7474.