Obituary of Patrick William Keeley

Patrick William Keeley was born May 7, 1947, in Auburn, Washington to Martin E and Thelma M (Sorensen) Keeley. He passed peacefully in his sleep October 18, 2023, in Ford, WA. Growing up, Patrick lived in various places throughout the United States, helping his dad build or repair homes where they lived. He joined the Army in 1964 and deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He was one of only three survivors of his platoon. He was then stationed in Germany (Stuttgart) and France. Upon leaving the military, Patrick tried various careers while living in Prosser, managed apartments in Richland and then worked for the Kennewick Parks, Street, and Sewer Departments, retiring from the City of Kennewick in 2001. He never quit helping others and always willingly dropped what he was doing for a friend. Patrick had a great love for family, which included welcoming 4 foreign exchange students into his home. Camping at Mt. Rainier and Troy, Montana were favorite family vacation spots. He loved to work with wood: construction, repairing furniture, and restoring antiques. He magically fixed almost everything he was asked to fix. There wasn’t much that he couldn’t fix. The kids called him “duct tape dad.” Patrick’s many projects included restoring an 1898 Victorian house, a 1950’s house (operated as AirBnb) and updating various homes for his family. Patrick loved tinkering with and restoring old cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Of note, a 1936 Dodge 5 window coupe, 1956 Thunderbird convertible, 1961 Thunderbird, 1968 Cougar, early 70’s Ford Ranchero, 1970 Red Torino Convertible and a red Honda Chopper. Patrick is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Ruth, brother Russ (Deb), son Jarrett, daughters Vanessa Hubbard (Lee), Valerié TERPENT ORDASSIERE (René), granddaughters Marine, Déborah, and Charlotte GRENET, great grandchildren Loris and Ambre BAUDE, and Nino VANINI. Patrick was preceded in death by his former wife Svea Keeley, daughter Megan Keeley, his parents Martin and Thelma, and sister Terry Moore.