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Keith Maurice Warshaw

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East High School University of Utah

Keith Warshaw Obituary

Keith Maurice Warshaw 1924 ~ 2008 An amazing man has left us. Keith Maurice Warshaw died at the age of 84 Friday, December 26th, 2008, after a valiant struggle with ongoing medical problems. Keith was the only son of the late Maurice and Inez Warshaw. In his senior year at East High School, he sustained a football injury which left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. Despite this, Keith became a successful businessman, first as a co-founder of Grand Central Stores and then in 1976, as the creator and owner of Keith Warshaw and Company, regarded by many as Utah's most unique and memorable retail concepts. Keith was a man of honor and integrity and was always willing to help others. He always looked for the good in people and never complained about his difficulties. Keith gave quietly and generously to many. During World War II, he helped numerous returning disabled veterans rehabilitate. He was a role model for perseverance. He was a very intelligent man, a voracious reader who enjoyed good conversation and lively political debate. Despite his physical limitations, Keith was a world traveler and an eager participant in life's adventures. He was a musician, a sculptor, a swimmer, a sports enthusiast, a wonderful storyteller, a sage, and a man with a great sense of humor. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Patty Smith, and his daughter, Alysia Bennett. He is survived by his sons, Reece (Lu) and Tony (Vonda), his step-daughter, Christina (Chad) Bowers, and his grandchildren Patricia, Melissa, and Zachary and their families. Keith is also survived by his sisters, Marge (Don) Mackey and Pat (Arnie) Ferrin, and his devoted wife, Susan, who tirelessly fought his battles with him. A special thanks to the many healthcare professionals and others who cared for Keith and touched his life in so many ways . . . A memorial service will be held Monday, December 29th, at 12:00 Noon at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the University of Utah, Department of Surgery, c/o Dr. Robert Stephenson, 30 N. 1900 E. Rm. 3B110, SLC, UT 84132

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Warshaw

16 Entries

Linda Bury

January 7, 2009

Hi Susan
Keith was truly a remarkable man and was always such an inspiration to all of us in Urology. So sorry for your loss - my heartfelt best wishes to you and your family. Sincerely, Linda Bury (Dr. R. A. Stephenson's nurse).

julie burt

January 7, 2009

Susan,
Keith was such a wonderful man. I always looked forward to seeing the both of you in Dr. Stephenson clinic.
My thoughts are with you!
Julie

Pamela Liske Schubert

December 30, 2008

Dear Reece and Tony and Warshaw family members, my mother, Ginny Liske and I send heartfelt wishes to each of you at this most difficult time. I particularly, have many fond memories of summers spent with Uncle Keith and all of you. Keith was a special individual. In all the times that I spent in his presence, I never heard him complain or give in to his physical limitations or health challenges. He loved to tease and joke with me on just about every subject. The generosity he showed me throughout my life was special and very appreciated. On news of his passing , my mother and I wish to say..."Cheers, Keith, you had a fabulous life, you lived it to the fullest and now Peace!!...You will be missed..."

Debra Lee Jacobs

December 30, 2008

I met Mr. Warshaw when I was a teenager working at Grand Central on 9th South & State. He complemented me on my work ethic stating that someone so young should be out enjoying High School activities instead of working after school and on weekends. I told him that everyday is a new begining and I wanted to learn all I could about customer service. With what I learned working during my youth has made me very successful in by business life. May God Bless the family of Mr. Warshaw. You will be in my daily prayers

Karel McDonough

December 30, 2008

Susan, I am in awe of the great care you took of Keith. I remember many great times with you at the Brown Eyed Susan. I know you will miss Keith greatly but I am certain that he is exulting, being out of a worn out body that hasn't worked completely for a very long time. I think of you often and will keep you in my prayers.

Theresa Darveaux

December 30, 2008

Tony...it's been way too many years between friends. It seems these days it is the sad circumstances that bring us around once again. I'm truly sorry to hear about your loss. He lived a good life and now moves on to the clouds to rest peacefully. My sympathies go out to you and your family.

meg averett

December 30, 2008

It just seems like yesterday that we were sitting outside by the pool, eating lucious food and watching the kids play tennis. Time flys.

Susan, you took amazing care of Keith and I know he adored you.

I will keep you all in my prayers

Peter and Sansanee March

December 30, 2008

Our prayers are with you.

Johanna Nielsen

December 29, 2008

My Mother in Law Johanna Nielsen started with Mr Warshaw and after that started Johanna's Kitchen in Sandy where she retired and sold in 2001. She often spoke of Mr Warshaw and how she loved working for him. He must have been a great guy, she always spoke well of him. I shall let her know if this great loss.

Cathie Pappas

December 29, 2008

Dear Keith Warshaw Family,
I worked for Keith as a young woman at the Grand Central Offices. He showed patience with my youth and was always willing to teach and educate. I will never forget that first work experience with the Warshaw family especially Keith, so many years ago. He was a giant among men. My deepest sympathy for the Warshaw family loss.
Cathie Pappas

Bill and Pat Child

December 29, 2008

Dear Pat and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your brother's death. What a valiant and good man he was. We're sorry we can't be there to support you in person, but our prayers are with you . Give our condolences to your sister Marge and the entire family.
Love, Bill and Pat Child

Stephen Guss

December 29, 2008

Some of my best early memories were spending Sunday afternoon with Keith and my dad, Abe, at the office of Grand Central Stores....I do not know what they were doing, but Keith let us cruise the toy aisles.
I was often the beneficiary of Keith's insightful philosophies of life and business.

Summithomehealth

December 29, 2008

Our deepest condolances to you and your family! Keith was a wonderful man!

Summit Home Health and Hospice

Jill Moses Jenkins

December 29, 2008

Sorry to hear about your father's death, Reece. He was a positive force.

B H

December 28, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. I cared for Mr. Warburton while he was at University Hospital. He was such a kind and wonderful man.

melissa ousley

December 28, 2008

Keith Warshaw was indeed a great man. He inspired many, and was a great person to know. He was always willing to help anyone, and always wanted to know details. He was a man of great knowledge, and was able to solve many problems. I will never forget all the lessons he taught me, and the wisdom he tried to instill in me. I will miss you gramps, more then you will know. Despite the bad times, i love you, and will always love you. Your great grandchildren will know of you, and will remember the times you shared.

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