Gordon Keating

Gordon N. Keating of Los Alamos, New Mexico, died peacefully February 14 after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jody Keating and is survived by his father, Richard Keating of Edwardsville, Illinois, his wife Elizabeth, daughters Zoe and Flannery, and brother Philip of Aurora, Colorado.
He grew up in Edwardsville, graduated from Edwardsville high school, and received his BA degree with distinction in geology in 1988 from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. He grew up passionate about natural history, geology and volcanology. After college Gordon worked for the US Geological Survey at the Cascades Volcanic observatory where he met Elizabeth, also a geologist. They moved to Houghton, Michigan, where Gordon received his master's degree from Michigan Technological University in 1991.
Later, they moved to New Mexico where he received his PhD in geology at the University of New Mexico in 2000. Since 1995, Gordon has worked for the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has published numerous papers in volcanology, and helped to develop eruption and erosion histories for volcanic centers including Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Most recently he was contributing to projects related to carbon sequestration and energy sustainability.
Those around him not only appreciated his sharp scientific mind, but also his gift for communication. Gordon was an attentive listener, and his flair for humor and lightheartedness was a keystone of his contributions to the scientific community.
Gordon's dedication to his family life included organizing many backpacking and camping trips, as well as rafting, canoeing and cycling. He also had a strong commitment to working with young people as an advisor to youth groups at the Unitarian church of Los Alamos.
Among other roles, he also served a term as chairman of the building committee of the Unitarian Church.
Many of Gordon's friends think of him first as a musician. From the age of nine he played violin, classical guitar and mandolin. He loved traditional music, especially of Old-time
American and Irish styles, and was noted for playing with skill and feeling. He played for many
years in a local traditional music band and was generous in sharing his knowledge and talent.
He played for many charity and community occasions locally and in Santa Fe.
A celebration of his life was held on Wednesday, February 20, at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. Memorial contributions may be made to the environmental organization of donor's choice.
To visit his two web sites search on Gordon N. Keating LANL.