The co-founder of an iconic Eugene business died Thursday.

Kesey was a probiotic pioneer and co-founder of Springfield Creamery, the maker of Nancy’s Yogurt. For over fifty years, he remained the unofficial “Keeper of the Culture” and personally taste-tested each batch of yogurt.

With his brother, celebrated author Ken Kesey, Chuck tapped into the 1960’s countercultural network. He described some of his experiences to KLCC in 2022.

“We went to really early Grateful Dead Acid Tests," Kesey said. "In the early time, there were 350 people in the crowd. They’d dance all night. It’s a pretty spectacular thing."

Brian Lanker / The Kesey family

The family of Chuck Kesey shared that the beloved patriarch, scientist, storyteller passed away at home surrounded by family. He was 87.

Chuck K

See Full Page