September 8, 1947 – March 29, 2025 | Age 77
“That best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.”
Ron didn’t know this quote from William Wordsworth, but it was his mantra. He was always patient, kind, and glad to do all he could to brighten the pathway of others. He was one of Vashon’s kindest men and will be deeply missed. He passed from this earth, marching through the ether with the brightest blue eyes to J. Strauss’ Radetzky’s March on a beautiful spring day, March 29th.
Ronald Edward Keenan was born on September 8, 1947, in Rockford, IL, the oldest child of Charlotte [Grecian] and Don Keenan. He grew up in Eureka, CA, attending St. Bernard’s High School and later received his BS at UC Berkeley, graduating in 1969 as a civil engineer. Because of the Vietnam Conflict draft, he sought an occupational deferment via Bechtel Corp in San Francisco. He worked for Bechtel from 1969 to 2010, primarily in chemical and later in telecommunications.
His job assignments took him across the country and the world, including Bartlesville, OK; New Jersey and Delaware; Houston, TX; Atlanta; Fort McMurray and Calgary, Alberta; Puglia, Italy; Sophia, Bulgaria; and Kirkland, WA.
Ron’s family was paramount to him. He married his wife, Martha, in 1970. She was the tag-along, enjoying all the adventures of Ron’s job assignments. Their children, Christine, Nicholas [Nick], and Joseph [Joe], hardly had a say in their escapades—but loved the ride.
After retiring from the vagabond life, Ron miraculously discovered Vashon Island in 2002. There, he cultivated a beautiful property with the help of his son, Nick. It became his hobby, his sanctuary, and ultimately his joy. He also contributed to the wood ministry at St. John Vianney and mowed the church grounds with devotion and care.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Martha; his three children: Christine Keenan of Des Moines, WA; Nick Keenan and his wife, Kelly, of Vashon; and Joe Keenan and his wife, Cara, of Austin, TX. He was the proud Poppy of eight: Liam and Clare A’Hearn; Aiden, Maddox, and Rowan Keenan of Austin; and Mallory, Gavin, and Brody Keenan of Vashon. He is also survived by his siblings: Gregg [Lynne] Keenan, Nancy Beliveau [Larry], and Michael Keenan [Teri]. He will be missed beyond measure.
A celebration of Ron’s joyous life on this earth will be held with a Mass at St. John Vianney Church on Vashon, Saturday, April 12th, at 11:00 a.m. Of course, all his friends and parishioners are welcome to this celebration. Praise, Jesus!
