Roy Keene

Roy Keene
March 31, 2021
Roy Keene, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, from heart failure. Roy was a much-loved husband, family member, and forestry consultant.
A memorial gathering will be held for Roy at Alton Baker Park, Pavilion #2 in Eugene on Saturday, June 5th at 2 PM, with COVID protocols.
Roy was a gatherer of people. He could meet someone, draw them into conversation, and then into friendship, almost before they knew what had happened. He loved family, valued the work that is necessary to keep relationships real, and poured his energies into those he loved. Roy lived with a deep, abiding faith in God, and was a Spiritual Minister, volunteering to conduct marriages for friends and family.
Roy led a quality life, full of fun and adventure. He seemed to live far more than just one lifetime, and had many exciting adventures. He was a truly unique individual, having lived "off the grid" in the southern Oregon wilderness, and out of a canoe in Alaska. He lived in a miner's cabin, and dredged for gold in the Illinois river. He loved exploring the West and strived to travel every back road. Devoted to Patty, his wife of 34 years, they travelled in their camper, often without a destination, just for the fun of seeing where the road took them.
Quick to laugh, Roy loved gatherings, was generous of spirit, and cooked for whoever stopped in to visit. His son, Hart, was his closest friend, and they talked daily, went on father-son road trips, and truly enjoyed being together.
Some of his deepest friendships lasted decades, and he was a father figure to younger folks, welcoming them into his extended family. He was a skilled photographer, donating his time to shoot weddings, parties and portraits.
Roy was a stalwart wilderness advocate, dedicated leader, and passionate voice for public forests. He worked for decades with environmentalists, politicians, tribal elders, educators and private forest owners.
With unbounded enthusiasm, Roy taught many people how to understand and value the outdoors, both personally and professionally. Roy received the Wilderness Society's "Environmental Hero" award for his unique leadership in establishing two wilderness areas in Oregon. Roy was a guest on Bill Moyer's "Listening to America," Day One's "Timber Theft," and PBS's "Critical Habitat." He co-produced the award-winning educational film, "Forests for the Future," shown to middle school students in the Northwest. He was instrumental in establishing the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness and in enlarging the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in Oregon. More recently, he was influential in passing an aerial spray ban legislation in Lincoln County. Roy was director of Our Forests, a local, non-profit volunteer group dedicated to preserving vital public resources for future generations.
A prolific writer, Roy wrote hundreds of opinion editorials and technical reports which were published in newspapers and scientific journals across the United States. Roy worked at Windermere Real Estate as a Realtor and land consultant, where he taught classes on rural land issues, mentored newer realtors, and took time to help colleagues.
Roy had strong beliefs and a sureness in following those beliefs, blazing new trails throughout his life. He brought abundant love to his relationships and will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in Roy's memory to Our Forests, P.O. Box 684, Eugene, OR 97440.
Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy