Daniel Stewart Keefe

This characterizes Daniel Stewart Keefe’s competitive M.O. (mission objective) in life, work, and play. A fierce competitor, Dan didn’t discriminate, he won golf matches from friends and family alike. Often leaving them scrambling for cover and money to pay off their lost bets. He expected to succeed on the course & in business, and worked hard to do so. Sadly though, in the end he challenged an opponent he couldn’t defeat. Surrounded by family and loved ones, in his greatest and last battle on earth, he succumbed to cancer on November 4, 2014.

Dan was born in Seattle on October 16, 1959 to Sara & Tyler Keefe. From Tyler he learned about competition, tenacity, and work ethic that helped him build a successful collaboration with Zirkle/Rainier Fruit Co. in Selah as a Logistics Transportation Manager. Even in his last painful days he wanted to be sure that we thanked the owners and colleagues.

He sincerely admired and respected them. Dan used his artistic traits that he acquired from Sara to design his Filmore series of paintings, sketches, and t-shirts. Her social aptitude created one of the most universally liked “good guys” and empathy toward the underdogs. Preferring, when possible, to give business to the independent truckers and the corporate ones.

Dan was an accomplished athlete who you wanted in your side. As a 7th grader against Selah he once rushed seven times for 150 yards and four touchdowns. At the annual family Turkey Bowl he was a terror to be reckoned with, especially after the pep talks given by Jose Cuervo.

At Bend Community College he was on the college soccer and ski teams. What he lacked in grace he made up for with brute strength, preferring the speed of downhill and giant slalom over the much slower slalom. He was quoted saying “Why turn when you can go straight, and if you can’t see go faster!” He skied the “Vida Loca.” Even knocking over a good sized pine tree once rather than going around it!

Dan is survived by his loving wife Terassa, son Gavin, and daughter Dallas; his parents Tyler and Sara, older brother Ric (Susan), sister Leslie (Ricardo); nieces and nephews Killy, Tyler, Luke, and Paige; great nephew Zane!; mother-in-law Sharon Gardenhire, and brother-in-law Rodney (Kelly).

A private family graveside service will be at Tahoma Cemetery. A Celebration of Dan’s life will be held at Summitview Country Clubhouse, 101 N. 48th Ave., from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please park off site!

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the fight against cancer.

To share a memory of Dan’s life visit www.keithandkeith.com.

News flash from heaven: COUSIN YOU STILL SUCK AT GOLF!