Caleb was born on August 18‚ 1986‚ a homebirth in the beautiful rolling hills of Summertown‚ Tennessee. We moved to Davis‚ California‚ when he was a year old. Then‚ when he was ten‚ we moved to Cave Junction in southwest Oregon. Caleb loved to roam his new backyard‚ one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the country. Always a courageous adventurer at heart‚ he explored the forest wilderness‚ engrossed completely in his own dreams and wonderful imagination.

Caleb found his true passion in sports during his freshman year in high school when he joined the track team. Caleb was inspiring to watch on the track. During his senior year‚ he broke the two-minute mark in the 800-meter race‚ a very hard-earned personal goal. He also received his most cherished award‚ ‘MVP in Track and Field for 2005.’ Caleb handled wins and losses with equal grace and mentored fellow students with encouragement and by example.

Caleb grew into a phenomenal young man with boundless enthusiasm and hope. He had a far-reaching belief and faith that God created everything and‚ therefore‚ everything is sacred. Caleb treated everyone with respect and kindness. At Southern Oregon University‚ he became very interested in anthropology. He spent most of his last year traveling through South America and was planning a trip to Nepal. He was a seeker of truth who understood the interconnectedness and sacredness of all things.

Caleb was a warrior in the highest sense of that word – fearless when needed and always a defender of women and children. He died protecting the community with a crew of men he called his brothers. On August 5‚ 2008‚ after battling a fierce wildland fire line for many days‚ his crew was being airlifted back to their firebase camp. The helicopter crashed into the Trinity County wilderness in northern California; nine good men died and four survived the crash.

There was nothing Caleb held dearer than his family. He loved it when we gathered together for the holidays‚ our annual camping trip‚ or any special family occasion. Well known for his playful sense of humor‚ children loved Caleb for his gentleness‚ kindness‚ and ability to meet them in their world of play. He was the true kid magnet at every family gathering.

Beloved son of Catherine Renno and Bruce LeMay‚ and much-loved younger brother to Jason and Colleen Renno‚ Caleb is loved by all whose lives he touched. Caleb cherished and loved his family and was the heart and silent center of our circle. We will never be the same without him‚ but death has only made our love stronger. He will be loved and missed until we meet again.