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Neal Keefer Obituary
April 3, 1947 - Dec. 5, 2018
The world lost an amazing man on Dec. 5, 2018. Neal Keefer rode his bike for the last time as he had a heart attack and died while on the ride. No surprise to those who knew him that he would go out doing something he loved.
Born in Portland to Royal Winston and Eleanor Irvine Keefer, he attended Sunset High School, Portland State University and received an Associate Degree in Engineering from Portland Community College. He used his skills and talents in design and management at Freightliner, Astro Tool, Sprague Aristo-Aire and Temco.
Most importantly, he was a great husband, father, grandfather, inventor, Mr. Fix It, outdoor enthusiast, gardener, patient listener, wise advisor, thoughtful helper, and always willing to do what he could to contribute positively to anything he was a part of. He was a climb leader and active contributor to the Conservation Committee of the Mazamas and was also among the leadership of the River City Dancers.
Preceded by brothers, Harry and Boyd, Neal is survived by wife, Virginia; former wife, Stevie Newcomer; sons, Joe and Ben (Debbie); stepsons, Alex, Stefan and Peter Hauser; grandchildren, Harrison, Sophie and Emma; brothers, Bruce (Pauline) and Paul; and sister, Myra.
Neal, all who love you hope you are still out on that bike ride, only in a better place.
Remembrances may be given in the form of funds or elbow grease to environmental preservation. A memorial is scheduled for later this month. Please contact family for details.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neal Keefer
Sponsored by The Family.
Carlo Arciero
April 21, 2021
Just found out about Mr. Keefer’s death. He was a great engineer and nice fellow. I worked with him on a project where Sprague Aristo Aire was supplying a product to where I worked (Ford.)
My deepest condolences to his family and he will be in my prayers.
Neal, thank you for your fantastic past support and may almighty God bless you eternally in heaven.
Grant Fleming
December 29, 2018
Neal Keefer was a patient gentle person who loved his family and a beautiful person of many skills.
Carol/Tim Reifsteck
December 29, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Richard & Yvonne Blackburn
December 25, 2018
I attended Cedar Mill Grade School and Sunset High School with Neal. From a early age I learned to enjoy outdoor activities while hanging out with Neal and his brothers, what a great group of guys. We wound up working at Freightliner for a time but have not kept in touch over the years. I did have a lunch with him a couple years back and noticed he really was the same wonderful person. My condolences to his family.
Betty Christensen Taylor
December 25, 2018
I knew Neal from highschool and during the early 70's. He was a good person and I will always carry fond memories. Please keep us informed of his memorial. I know he will be missed and am extremely sorry for your loss.
December 20, 2018
I will cherish the memories of working with Neal on the Conservation Committee for the Mazamas! He leaped at the chance to make my idea of the Mazamas hosting a "Melting Mountains Conference" at the Mazama Mountaineering Center in SE Portland. Through is leadership and the help of other dedicated Mazamas a great conference ensued and I think it was a feather in the cap for Mazamas, and all thanks to Neal and a few other dedicated Mazamas and a number of experts who participated from around the Pacific Northwest.
Pauline Siri
December 17, 2018
Neil was a wonderful person I danced with him the last 3 weeks at lessons at River City dancers I'm not a very good dancer he would just smile and say don't worry about it he always had a smile on his face and was very helpful with everybody there and I'm sure all the other things that he did he will be missed by all my prayers go out to his family best wishes Pauline Siri
Vern Sundin Jr
December 16, 2018
So shocked and sad to hear about Neal. I lived in Cedar Mill, went to high school and even worked at Freightliner with Neal. We hadn't been in touch much lately but I had visited him a few times at the Parkrose community garden he managed. Please keep us informed regarding a memorial for him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Jill Koning
December 16, 2018
Ben, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your father seemed to be an active man who enjoyed life. I'm sure he was also very proud of his family.
Shea
December 15, 2018
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God's promise comfort and sustain you during this difficult time (John 6:40).
Chris Hardwick
December 14, 2018
Bly Mountain Cutoff Road goes North to Highway 140 before turing East to Bly, Oregon and the finish line for the week long Cycle Oregon event in 2012. With a head wind slowing things, Neal decided to pick up the pace. Where you are we soon will be... and what a wonderful way to go Neal!.Chris Hardwick
Ken Watson
December 14, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Fran Bosch
December 12, 2018
Ahh Neal, now that you're in - pray for us. You'll be remembered as the funny, gentle, wise owl. I always admired your interpretation of how life should be lived, and now, how to die. You've touched hundreds of lives with your vigor and generosity. I am privileged to have known you.
December 12, 2018
I would like to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you his peace at this very difficult time. Php 4:6,7
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