Keith-See-Obituary

Keith A. See

Irving, Texas

1941 - 2007

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Irving, Texas

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KEITH A. SEE, age 65, a resident of Irving, Texas for 30 years, died Friday, March 2, 2007 at an Irving hospital.
He was born July 3, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa to Russell and June Hines See.
Keith See was a big man with an even bigger heart. In life he discovered his passions, committed to developing them, and upon mastery, led others along the same path.
Keith's commitment to the practice of martial arts earned him an 8th degree black belt in Kempo Karate. In addition, he found a lifelong friend and Sensei in American Kempo's founder, Ed Parker. After years of study and ultimate mastery, Keith shared his passion for Kempo by teaching others, young and old, the original art form.
Later in life, Keith had to condition his body for a different kind of fighting - as a prescription drug addict. His family and friends were proud to celebrate his 3rd year anniversary as a recovering addict this past fall. Keith's incredible resolve to conquer his addiction and his ultimate success, led him to counsel and mentor others along that same road at Valley Hope.
Keith was a Marine Vietnam War Veteran. Above all, he loved the Lord, his family, Hawaii, all things Elvis, golf and his dog, “Bear.”
Over the years, his service to the country, those recovering from addictions, and those learning martial arts was a blessing. His heart was big enough to pour out love upon all of those who surrounded him.
We will miss you Big Daddy - Ini Ibig Kita (I love you)
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Betty; daughter, Rose Ranck and husband Lee of Coppell; step-son, Bruce Paschall of Irving; step-daughter, Beverly Sharp and husband Art of Coppell; brother, Butch Maas of South Carolina; six grandchildren, Kristal and Melissa Ranck, Tiffany and Toby Sharp, Jason and Chad Paschall; and two great grandchildren.
Memorial Service 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 9, 2007 at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 8150 Brookriver Drive, Ste S-102, LB-102, Dallas, TX 75247 or to Grapevine Valley Hope, 2300 William D. Tate Avenue, Grapevine, TX 76051.

Guest Book

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I was Keith See's youngest student in New Orleans. Thought about him and found this page. I will miss him. Our actions touch so many lives. I'm glad to see he had such a positive impact on so many others. Thanks for the page and the opportunity to thank Keith. See you on the other side, Sifu.

As I take my youngest son to his first Martial Arts class, I thought back on my learning and wondered whatever became of Keith. So sorry to hear his struggles and my wishes and prayers are with you. He taught me much in and out of the Classroom

Jonathan Ayers, Keith See, Paul Buitron, and students, circa 1995

Sifu See during a Kenpo demonstration

Sifu See doing a demonstration of Mushin, his last contribution to the martial arts, circa 1995

Once a Marine, always a Marine (2002)

Keith starting over as a white belt in Aikido, circa 1985

Wow- what a loss.(Sifu) Keith See was my Kenpo Instructor and I never stopped learning from him. He had a dynamic presence and a passion that told you he was a very great and special leader, humanitarian, teacher and valued friend. I found out about his passing today and it hurts to think I wasn't there for him like he was for so many of us. Anyone who knew him is a better person for the experience. SALUTE.

Our love and prayers go out to you all. God's love will hold and comfort you; your memories will last a lifetime. Keep them near your heart; Keith will make you smile when you least expect it.