Robert E Keyes

On October 6, 2012, long time Ventura resident, Robert “Bob” Keyes, 86, joined the Big Band in heaven, after a lengthy illness. Bob was born November 2, 1925, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Deering High School in Portland, Maine in 1944. Bob served in the United States Army, as a radio man in the Signal Corps, from 1944 through 1946. He met and married Doris Travis in 1951 in Boston, and moved to the Portland area. Bob spent the early days of his career in sales and management with DuPont. Doris and the kids followed each promotion and transfer from Maine to Massachusetts, New York to Illinois. In 1969, Bob and the family answered the call to California, and in 1970, he became a resident of Ventura. Bob owned and operated Sav-At Cleaners for 18 years before his retirement.

For many years Bob was an active member of Sacred Heart Church where he sang in the choir. Bob was a lover of the Big Bands and at any time, the fine sounds of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman or Artie Shaw were being taught to his five grandchildren. Bob was also an avid ballroom dancer. Over the years, it was known that on a Saturday night he and Doris would be found on a dance floor. In retirement Bob rediscovered his skills as a HAM radio operator and was a member of the Poinsettia Amateur Radio Club. He volunteered his time and worked during times of emergency. Bob also volunteered as a tutor for at-risk students at Sheridan Way Elementary School.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Sherry Keyes and Ralph and Ann Keyes; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mark Wipf; grandchildren Joshua Keyes (Janine), Katharine Kealey (Brian), Alison Keyes, Aaron Wipf, Brian Wipf and great-granddaughter, Rosalind Kealey. Bob is also survived by his brother, Frank Keyes and sister, Helen O’Reilly. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Paul.

Visitation will take place Friday, October 12, 2:00 P.M. until 5 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

Services will take place Saturday, October 13, 11:00 A.M., also at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, with The Reverend John Martin officiating.

Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura with Military Honors.

Contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to a favorite charity, Project Understanding or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.