Obituary of Thomas C. Keller

Thomas C. Keller was born on January 7, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, to Norm and Betty Jo Keller. He passed away on August 18, 2020, at his home, which was also his favorite place, on Lake St. Clair in Lacey, Washington. 

 

On Tuesday August 18, we lost our loving husband, father and grandfather unexpectedly.  Tom died from heart complications at his home with his wife, Ann, son, Chris, and daughter, Megan by his side.  

 

The family will be having a small and private celebration of life. 

 

Tom attended Mater Dei High School in Chula Vista, California, and was a part of state champion basketball teams.  He went on to receive a full ride scholarship to play basketball at Saint Martin’s and achieved his Bachelor’s degree in History and English. 

 

Tom met the woman who would become his wife, Ann Klinkosz, at a Saint Martin’s College dance in 1967. Tom and Ann got married on December 26, 1970 at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Olympia. They were married for almost 50 years and lived at the lake for the last 45 years. 

 

Tom worked as an inventory (the good bubbly kind) supervisor at the Olympia Brewery and went on to retire from there in 2000 before it closed.    

 

Tom loved water and he loved living on Lake Saint Clair.  He enjoyed fishing during the summer months and watching the wildlife, including his hummingbirds.  Before experiencing issues with his feet, Tom loved golfing with his friends and family.  Chris still remembers him sinking a 3 wood shot from 180 yards out down on the Elma course! 

 

Tom was a conversationalist at heart and one of his favorite things was sitting with his wife and kids telling stories.  He had a sense of humor and a wit about him that could draw a perfect stranger in.  He loved telling jokes and watching us all laugh.  

 

Tom was an avid reader and was always reading a current work of fiction with another one on deck.  As a history buff, you could ask him about many different topics and he would most likely be able to remember all the details about events and time. 

 

Tom was very introspective and, even though it didn’t come out much, we believe that he deeply contemplated and understood life and the great beyond.  Although this was unexpected, we know that he wasn’t afraid of death from conversations that we have had recently.  We will miss him more than words can articulate, but his voice and love will resonate and carry us forward.  

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Tom’s name, in support of the Father Kilian Malvey scholarship fund at Saint Martin’s University here.

 

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

NO FLOWERS, PLEASE.

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