Harry Keeler

Harry Keeler Harry Keeler, a resident of Carmel for 39 years, died on August 16, 2008 at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula at the age of 82. He was born in San Diego, California on September 20, 1925, the son of Captain Harry Keeler Jr. (U.S.N) and Marion Crozier. He graduated from Point Loma High School in La Jolla, California in 1943, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. After the war, he attended college at both U.C. Berkeley and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he earned a degree in engineering in 1952. At Cal Poly, he was a founding member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, and was also active in the Cal Poly Penguin Motorcycle Club, competing in amateur oval track racing throughout the State. He married Natalie Samper on January 28, 1956, and spent seven years with the International Division of General Electric Corporation in Colombia, before moving to the Bay Area in 1963. His professional career concluded in 1990, when he retired as the Post Engineer of the Presidio in Monterey. During his time in the area he was a member of the Carmel River Steelhead Association and was also an active participant of the local World Watch group. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dolly Gillette, and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Natalie, along with his children and their spouses Marian Keeler of San Francisco, Christopher Keeler (Patrice) of Merced, Catherine Presher (Darren) of San Francisco and Anthony Keeler (Mona) of Lafayette. He is also survived by his six grandchildren; Ryan, Maggie, Katie, Joseph, Ella and Andy. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader and game player. He had numerous hobbies and interests and was granted a patent in 1968 for the design of an airfoil sail. He loved history, science and politics and was never shy about expressing his opinion on issues-past or present. His love of country and his wry sense of humor were memorable marks of his character. His wife and extended family were his pride and joy and he enjoyed the company of his close friends. Private family services will be held at a later date.