Obituary of Keith Michael Pugh

Keith Michael Pugh "Stinky", 41 passed away on September 14, 2017 in Weippe, Idaho. He was engaged to his beautiful fiancée, Elizabeth Victoria Arnold "Lizzie".  Keith was born in St. Maries, Idaho on July 9th, 1976 to Stan Pugh and Katherine Ragan (Hatcher).  He graduated from Post Falls High School in 1994 and continued his education at University of Idaho.  It was then, the adventures began. Keith loved to travel and see the world. His favorite spots included Denali, AK, St. John, VI, Thailand, Chile, Costa Rica, just to name a few. In the last decade, Keith has been committed to fighting Wildland Fires. He started this journey with the Modoc Hot Shot Crew and most recently found his way back home and worked as a Helitek Crew Manager in Weippe. He belonged to the St. Maries Elks Lodge 1418. Keith had a passion for life, music and football.   He frequented concerts with his friends and family, and to his family’s surprise, recently became a fan of underground country music J. He never missed a football game and would always help out with fantasy picks. He loved the outdoors and being with his friends. The relationships he had were his core, his everything. Keith was a kind soul who touched everyone he met, where ever his was. He loved his dog, Copper whom he shared with his fiancée, Lizzie.  Keith was always there for an ear to listen, a hand to help and a heart to share.  His presence on this earth will be greatly missed; Keith is irreplaceable and will never be forgotten.  

Keith is survived by his Fiancée Elizabeth Victoria Arnold of Creston, BC, his parents Katherine (Ragan) and Robert Hatcher of Post Falls, Id., Stanley and Gerri Pugh of St. Maries, Id., Siblings Carissa Stone of Spokane, Wa., Monica and Steve Nemeth of St. Maries, Id., Christopher and Patrick Krous of Spokane Valley, Wa., Grandparents Maudie Hatcher of Post Falls, Id. and Mary Sweitzer of Coeur D’ Alene, Id, nieces and nephews including Kaya & Addyson Stone of Spokane, Wa., Kelcie & Colton Herzog of Fernwood, Id., Weston Harvey of Coeur d’Alene, Id., KatieJo Olenslager of Rathdrum, Id., Matthew Krous of Spokane Valley, Wa., Samantha Krous of Coeur d’Alene, Id., Lily Krous of Rathdrum, Id., Cory and Trisha Nemeth of St. Maries, Id., Andy and Amy Nemeth of Boise, Id.,  and Nicole and Cameron Burton of Cataldo, Id., 5 great nieces & nephews, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Keith’s memorial service will be held at Belltower Funeral Home at 3398 E. Jenalan Avenue in Post Falls, Id on September 23, 2017 at 2pm, reception to follow. 

Memorial donations sent in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation at  www.wffoundation.org or 208-336-2996 in Keith’s name.