Keith Clayton (Swede) Lind

Keith Clayton (Swede) Lind was born on August 29, 1949, in Mt. Vernon WA, to Ann and Earl Lind, Sr., joining his big sister Leslie. They thrived under the loving, watchful eyes of their mom for about 18 months. Sadly, when his younger brother Earl Jr. was born, his mother died from a brain aneurysm. At this sad time, Keith and his siblings moved in with their Grandparents Edith and Conrad Lind, since their dad worked as a logger and was out of town much of the time.

Hoping to find a new loving mother, Keith's father remarried a short time later, but this woman, unfortunately, was not the woman she appeared to be. In some regards, she became the wicked stepmother, as the children did not receive any nurturing from her. Later, Keith's father divorced her, and the children were once again sent to live with Grandma and Grandpa Lind.

Keith loved Grandma Lind. Even in recent years he would happily tell people that "she taught me manners". Keith learned how to work hard from Grandpa Lind. Grandpa taught Keith how to use a large variety of tools, as he was a very skilled carpenter, as well as a logging contractor. Keith became skilled at using a chainsaw and working with tools for small item? requiring finesse as he worked alongside Grandpa. He also acquired a love of music from his Grandpa too. Unfortunately, the family lost Grandpa Lind in 1958.

Grandma expected Keith, Earl Jr, and Leslie to help with the farm work feeding the animals, milking the cows, helping in the garden and yard. Grandma made sure they did their chores, and anything else that was needed around the house.

Several years later some paint cleanup rags were left in the basement, and they spontaneously burst into flames. The beautiful house they had lived in burnt down. Keith and the rest of the family moved into a trailer on the farm until a new house could be built.

Keith attended Union High School, where during the 1965-1966

school year and again in 1967, he lettered in Varsity Swimming. He also earned a letter in Band. At some point, in High School or in the military, he became known as Swede - a name he fully embraced and loved.

On June 21, 1968, Keith entered the Navy and completed basic training in San Diego. In the training center he received his certificate for Basic Electricity/Electronics October 25, 1968. Following that he passed the class for Radioman Seaman Apprentice U.S. Navy, Naval School Radioman, Class "A" Service School Command on February 21st, 1969. From there he went on and obtained his certificate for Basic Military Requirements for the rating of Radioman Third Class with a mark of 3.70 on May 23, 1969. At this point he was ready to head to Vietnam. He was sent to Vietnam by way of Alaska. He ended up at Nha Be. He did see some USO shows at Ben Luc. He saw Saigon. He had R&R in Hong Kong.

In fall of 1971, he was moved to United States Naval Communication Station Londonderry Northern Ireland. This was an important 'military communication link between Northern Europe

and the United States. It also was the oldest U.S. Naval installation in Europe.

He was Released from Active-Duty June 20, 1974, being sent home from Navcomsta, Londonderry, Northern Ireland with an Honorable Discharge. He was awarded: National Defense Service Medal; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal; Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon.

He has never shared very much of what happened overseas, but he came home changed. At family gatherings when he first arrived home, we tried to ask questions, but soon we learned he did not want to talk about Vietnam. He only wanted to talk about the family

In the years that followed he used his energy helping others. He had a multitude of friends at the VFW, American Legion and the Eagles. He also enjoyed working with the Scouts. He wanted them to learn comradery, pride in their accomplishments, giving them knowledge on becoming Eagle Scouts and successful adults. He wanted them to be involved in their community and to trust themselves. He taught them how to laugh and enjoy being creative.

Keith valued what was most important in life, people. He loved helping and caring for others.

When texting with him on the evening of April 18, I said, "It's part of our genetics. We don't give up."

He replied, "Got that right!!!"

On April 19, 2025, we received the news that he passed away.

Over the decades he has lost Grandma Lind, several cousins, his father Earl Sr, his sister Leslie, his brother Earl Jr, his aunts and uncles except for his Aunt Gloria Lumbert. His surviving cousins: Patsy, Dennis, Joan, Cindy, Curtis, Larry, Vernon, Wendy and their families.

June 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Celebration of Life with Military Honors

American Legion Post 92 26921 88th NW

Stanwood, WA 98292

(Next to Rite-Aid)

SEND MEMORIALS TO:

VFW Post 5056; 702 Murdock St., Sedro Wooley WA 98284 American Legion Post 92; 26921 88th NW Stanwood, WA 98292 Veteran Service Office 9913 271st ST NW, Suite A, Stanwood WA 98292