CDR Michael J. 'Keats' Keating USN (Ret.)

My first intro to Keats was when I first checked in to COMPATWINGSPAC in Hawaii. I had to check in to all the departments at the WING. As I was about to go into the Training office, there was Keats, standing in the doorway, surfboard under his arm, & told me, "Dude, come back in about an hour & I´ll check you in." He never missed an opportunity to surf & have fun. I´ll miss `ya bud.

Went to lake Catholic with him we use to call him bones because he was so skinny so sorry to hear of his passing Vic zarnick

Keats made the Navy fun. He represented everything that was good about it. My life is incredibly richer for having him as a mentor and a friend. He was one of a kind. His summaries of ASD always brings a huge smile.

I remember Mike so well from Lake Catholic H.S. in '77 and '78. A great guy. RIP, sir.

What a tragic loss. Keats was the salt of the earth, just a very chill guy. I am glad to have known him. My heart goes out to the family.

The Keating´s, a model family, lived across the street from from us in Mentor Ohio, and little Leslie used to come over and play with our daughter Alana. My heart broke hearing the news of Mike´s passing. What a wonderful person he was. I´m sure he will stay just as close in spirit with his entire family & loved ones. Thank you for being such a tremendous inspiration Mike!

I flew with Keats in special mission aircraft during our involvement in Somalia in the early 90's. He met us when we landed in Mombasa, Kenya, and introduced us to our lodging at the Intercontinental Hotel on the beach. "This does not suck" he accurately reported. Working with Keats was wonderful, he was so chill and fun-loving. I was lucky enough to work with him in VP-9, and later run into him as a contractor with the Joint Staff in Norfolk and with NAVWAR in San Diego. Stacey, please contact me to help you with anything in San Diego area, I have a strong back and am at your service. [email protected] "Dude, let's go rage" I can here him say still. We were so blessed.

I grew up in with Mike and his siblings (in Mentor, Ohio), all of whom I considered my friends. One more athletic, intelligent and friendly than the next. Godspeed Michael and blessings to your wonderful family. My condolences.

Best dad in the world. What a blessing to have a father who was so kind and comforting. He loved us just as we are. He was my buddy. My favorite memories with him are playing games, hiking, how happy he´d get to share music / movies / books etc with us, the smiles and peace he brought to daily life, and watching him be such a sweet and fun Grandad to my infant son. His hugs always made everything okay and the calm energy he brought to our home was a truly wonderful gift. He set such a great example of how to live life, what to value, and how to live humbly and with integrity. He might be gone, but he will always be with me in many ways. Love you Dad, can´t wait to hug you again!

Keats had the most positive disposition of anyone I ever met. He was always encouraging and affirming. I feel incredibly blessed to have had even only a little bit of his time in this world.

Sincerest condolences... bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

You are, and always will be, my oldest brother. Your presence, your example and your entire life informs and shapes me (and all of us) since childhood. I pursue achievements and accolades to make YOU proud. I model my life after yours as best I can and...I come up short because there is only one Mike Keating. Thank you for hosting us all with warmth and excitement on any and every occasion. Thank you for being the first one on the scene through the hard times. Thank you for living a life that makes me (and, again, all of us) so proud it absolutely aches. I love you and I love that Dad, no doubt, greeted you with open arms, in his flight jacket, and is touring you around God's O Club. May you see every friend, John Lennon and all the souls you love and know. Forever your little sister until we meet again, Lez