Keith Patrick Austin

Keith Patrick Austin, of Bremerton, passed away on August 20, 2023 at 47 years young. After a 2-year battle with cancer he left this life peacefully at home, in his wife’s arms, and family lovingly by his side.

Keith was born to Brian and Nancy Austin of Poulsbo on October 2, 1975. He grew up in Poulsbo, where he made friendships that would last throughout his lifetime, and graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1994.

His first jobs as a teen were at the local Red Apple Market and Liberty Bay Auto in Poulsbo. He found his career path in 1995, getting a job as a plumbing apprentice at Silverdale Plumbing. While there he trained and earned his residential plumbing license in 1998. Keith left residential plumbing behind when he was hired by Holmes Mechanical, Inc. in 2005 and began working on industrial projects. He received his journeyman plumber license in 2006, and his medical gas certification 2 years after that. As a field superintendent, even while fighting stage 4 cancer, Keith remained dedicated to his job throughout his cancer treatment. He would work for Holmes for 18 years up until his passing.

Keith was introduced to his soulmate by mutual friends in 2004. Inseparable ever since, Keith and Cheri wed in an intimate beach ceremony, with close family and friends in Mexico in 2011.

Keith loved life, and in his free time enjoyed golfing and rafting with his friends, quality time with family, drinks around the bonfire, fishing for halibut, traveling, house renovations with his wife, hiking, concerts, caring for their 4-legged fur babies, cheering on the Hawks, cooking meat in his smoker, water skiing, paddle boarding and enjoying the Puget Sound on their 31’ Searay Sundancer. His biggest passion was yard work and he had exemplary lawn skills. Some of his biggest boasts were winning the neighborhood Yard of the Month award with stage 4 cancer, and the time a neighbor touched the grass to make sure it wasn’t actually artificial turf. Cheri, Scott, and Ma-In-Law will try to keep it up.

He will be remembered for his big infectious smile, generosity, gentle spirit, sense of humor, witty jokes, contagious laugh, big heart, values, loyal friendship, patience, compassion, and strong work ethic. He exemplified strength, courage, optimism, and dignity as he faced the many challenges of his disease.

Keith was predeceased by his father Brian, stepmom Gerrie, and his mother Nancy. He is survived by his wife Cheri, brother Scott, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, ma and pa in-law, and many dear lifelong friends. He will live on in the laughter of his friends and family, sharing stories and memories they are lucky enough to have had with him. He will be missed so very much by all that knew him.

Keith’s family will be having a Celebration of Life in his honor on November, 11, 2023. Details TBA.

His wife wishes to thank the many Drs., nurses, medical staff, and countless others that provided him the care that gave him more time with his family and friends. To palliative and hospice care for assisting his family in his final days in the comfort of his own home. Also, the staff at Miller-Woodlawn for your compassion and guidance. And, of course, to all those that are wrapping his loved ones in love and support as we try to navigate through this unbearable loss.

To Keith: Rest in peace, free from pain, my amazing husband. You are loved and missed more than you will ever know. You are the love of my life, the other half to my whole, my greatest gift. I know you’ll continue to walk beside me, but I can’t wait until we’re together again and you greet me with that big beautiful smile. Until then, I know you’re with your dad enjoying a Rainier, and taking Scooby and Haley on long walks.

Love, your eternal wife, Cheri.

P.S. Remember that tattoo you told me not to get? I’ll explain later.