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August 20, 1929 - June 7, 2020 John Bennett (Jack) Keating died on June 7, 2020 in Irvine, California from the effects of living a full and satisfying 90 years of life.Jack was born in Salt Lake City on August 20th, 1929, to Grace Wilcox Keating and Maurice Keating. He joined three siblings, Bill, Maury, and Barbara. His family moved to Los Angeles several years later and he graduated from University High. At Pomona College he met his future bride, Libby Warner. Following graduation and marriage he attended UCLA where he received his Master's Degree in Engineering. Many of Jack's life choices reflected his love for the beach, ocean, and outer space. He accepted a job at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica because it was the aerospace company closest to the beach. He was drafted near the end of the Korean War and chose to go into the Coast Guard. When the Russians launched Sputnik he was released to return to Douglas. He had a fascinating career in the space program that included stints in Huntsville, Alabama and Washington, DC with the Apollo and Saturn programs. He retired from what became McDonnell Douglas and then Boeing in Huntington Beach.Jack's second career near the beach was as a volunteer naturalist for the Newport Bay Conservancy. As a board member and as president, he not only led kayak tours but helped create a region-wide collaboration to administer the Upper Newport Bay Ecological and Nature Preserve. His quiet, principled approach to leadership served many well. Jack and Libby raised three children: Bruce, Molly and John. During their 50 plus years living in Newport's Eastbluff neighborhood, Jack volunteered and chaired scout troops, soccer teams, and homeowners' associations. He also found time for tennis, body surfing, and sailing with friends and family. Jack and Libby loved their family dogs: Angus, Sundance (16 puppies), Bailey, and Rocky. They traveled far and wide and thoroughly enjoyed their second home at Mammoth Lakes, skiing for free after turning 80. Jack's warmth, integrity and humor were at the heart of his relationships. Jack is survived by his wife, Libby; children, Bruce (Kareen Witte), Molly (Glenn Rodriguez), and John (Robin LeRoux); Grandchildren Alex (Marina), Evan (Mari), Luke, Ryan (Kirsten), Annika, Tucker, Asher, Zack, Travis, and Garrett; great grandchildren Angelo, Elsa, Xeno and Nico.A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to the Newport Bay Conservancy or the Regents Point Benevolence Fund.
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Margaret Scott
June 15, 2020
Jack was a very kind man. Although I only spent a little time with him, I learnt a lot about the art of living. My mother Elizabeth (Beamish) and I will miss him immensely.
Johann Bauermeister
Friend
June 15, 2020
Our deep condolences to Libby and family. We are glad to have met Jack with his gentle, spritely and true Californian spirit.
Fleur (Beamish) Webb and family
Family
June 14, 2020
we will miss jack so much and we share in your deep loss. an outstanding and treasured man, he was always so welcoming to us whitings.
with deepest sympathy,
kathy, linda and patti
kathy
Family
June 14, 2020
Jack was a long time volunteer for our Eastbluff HOA. He cared for his community and was always a source of great advice and wisdom. It was a pleasure working with him and his efforts on behalf of our Newport Beach community will be remember.
Ron Rubino, President
Eastbluff Homeownerss Community Association
Ron Rubino
Friend
June 14, 2020
1975 in Newport Beach - a large family gathering - I am afraid that Jack must be taking the photographs. Fond memories of our first meeting and subsequent visits. We remember Jack with great affection. Our thoughts are with Libby and the whole family.
Vernon, Linda, Portugal (originally from Cape Town)
Vernon Kilroy Beamish
Family
June 14, 2020
Jack's passing leaves a Big hole in our hearts. There are so many memories, skiing at Mammoth, fun with our cool California cousins, visiting in D.C. Jack even taught this pale Seattlite how to body surf. He was oblivious to his Hollywood good looks and modest about his intellectual ability. He was curious about everything and made you feel like you were the only person in the room. He was funny and loving and sensitive, and one of the finest people I have ever known. Gregg told me that he strives to be like Jack (I said he was getting closer.) Thanks to all you Keatings for making the effort to come up for Mom's 100th birthday. Jack's speech was the best part. We love you, Marg and Gregg
Margaret Keating Ose
Family
June 13, 2020
We are so very saddened by Jacks passing. We have very fond memories of our times spent with both Jack and Libby - visiting us in Sydney, skiing at Mammoth and kayaking and sailing at Newport Beach. He was such a lovely man and we enjoyed his enthusiasm for life and sense of humour. We send our love and condolences to Libby and family.
Love from
Martin and Soni Beamish
Martin & Soni Beamish
Family
June 12, 2020
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