Richard Sandys Keator

KEATOR, RICHARD SANDYS, was born on March 27th 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida and raised on the island of Jamaica. Loving father of Macsen Sandys, loving son to his mother Dolores Maria Ziff and caring stepfather Dr. Sanford L. Ziff. He was an adoring uncle to many nieces and nephews and will be sorely missed by his brothers: Peter & wife Rita, Barr & wife Janet, Steve & wife Peggy, stepsister Cindy Ziff and half sister Meredith Keator. Known to all as Sandy, he passed peacefully from this earth on March 8th after a long courageous battle against brain cancer. As a USAF veteran of the Vietnam War, Sandy trained in avionics and worked on Phantom fighter jets and F4Ds. After his discharge he earned a BS in photojournalism from the University of Florida -forever his Alma Mater - and briefly worked in the local film industry as a technician. Photography was his love and his other true love was fine finish carpentry. His talents permitted him to pursue multiple fields throughout his life and his wit, charm and adventurous nature allows us to entertain many endearing memories. His family acknowledges his greatest accomplishment as his son Macsen. During this time of our great sorrow, the Keator-Ziff family wishes to express their gratitude to all the wonderful doctors and nurses and staff at the Miami VA Hospital, including the late Dr. James Goodman and especially Dr. Enrique Aguilar and his staff for their kindness and thoughtful care. There will be a memorial service at St. Christopher's-by-the Sea, Key Biscayne on Monday, March 21st at 10:30am to celebrate Sandys' zest for life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Camillus House or the Women's Fund. We thank you all for your love and most welcome kindness. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.