Keith Ernest John Stephens

Keith Ernest John Stephens, a beloved builder and seafarer, passed away at the age of 69 on May 4, 2024.
Keith was born on March 10, 1955, in Juneau, Alaska to Loren and Darlene Stephens. He married Debby (Knightlinger) Stephens on May 18, 1975.
Keith spent his childhood summers working on his grandfather's (Everett Buchanan) commercial fishing boat, the "I Am Alone," where he grew an affection for the Southeastern waters of Alaska. After high school in Juneau, Keith attended 4-years of carpenter training in Anchorage where he earned valedictorian honors. Returning to Juneau, he worked for Wick Construction, Inc., before working with his father who owned and operated Superior Builders. Keith successfully completed countless projects, with the most notable being his own home on Fritz Cove Road, the State Office Building Parking Garage, the Glacier Valley Fire Department (now First National Bank Alaska), and Family Practice Physicians Inc.
Beyond the construction site, Keith's continued love of the ocean led him to become the proud owner and operator of the charter vessel "Snoopy." He purchased the 36' Uniflite in 1982 and began his charter captain career in 1985. He became, and still is, a legendary in the field and with the various walks of life that had the pleasure of boarding the "Snoopy." The Snoopy was more than a boat-it was a vessel of adventure and connection, until Keith retired in 2002.
Keith later worked for the State of Alaska as a Facilities Manager where he oversaw the maintenance of State owned and leased facilities throughout Alaska. He retired from the State in 2019.
Keith is survived by his devoted wife Debby, sons Jeremy (Emily) in Vermont and Torry (Elizabeth) in Texas, sister Kathy in California, brothers Kenny (Wendy) in Juneau, Kelly (fiancé Rebecca) in California, Kristan (Tara) in Juneau, Keri (Stacy) in Washington, Grandchildren Isaac, Lena, Riley and Ruby, numerous Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, his Step Mother Sally Ann, Sister-in-Law's Sandy (Rodney) Lichtenberger in Washington, Ann Pittman in North Carolina, and Brother-in-Law Mike (Betty) Knightlinger in Arizona.
A memorial service to celebrate Keith's life will be held at Kingdom Hall, 2517 Teslin Street (Juneau), on May 22nd at 2:00pm. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather at the Juneau Yacht Club, 1301 Harbor Way (Juneau), at 5:00 PM for a reception.