Daniel Edward McKeever

Daniel Edward McKeever, 57, City Manager of Falls Church, Va., died Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at the University of Virginia Hospital due to complications from melanoma. Mr. McKeever served as City Manager for the past six years. He was the longest serving Falls Church City Manager since 1983. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Mr. McKeever attended Ferrum College, graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BA in Sociology and received his Master's Degree in Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech. He began his municipal career with the Roanoke, Va. Police Department as a patrol officer. During his tenure with the Roanoke Police Department, he worked in a variety of capacities including patrol, training, criminal investigations, and attained the rank of Lieutenant in 1981. In December 1982, he was named the Chief of Police of Pulaski, Va. He served in that capacity until July 1983 when he was named Interim Town Manager. Later that year he was appointed Town Manager. In July 1989 Mr. McKeever was named City Manager of Laconia, N.H. where he served until joining Falls Church in June 2000. Mr. McKeever was known in City management for his focus on team development. He placed a high value on City staff and inspired excellence from all who worked with him. He was particularly committed to managing smaller cities because it was important to him to be a part of the community and accessible to its residents. He was member of International City/County Managers Association and the American Society for Public Administration. Mr. McKeever was a music enthusiast who loved jazz, blues, and rock and roll. He admired the groups and musicians that produced great music. He enjoyed great food, good drinks, concerts, and festivals. He loved humor and not only found it often, but also was a constant source of quick wit. He loved entertaining his family and friends and ensured those around him had good times. Mr. McKeever was an avid sports enthusiast. He quarterbacked the Roanoke Catholic High School football team in Roanoke, Va. from 1965 to 1967. He enjoyed biking, skiing, and boating. He was a fan of the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also owned a partnership share in a minor league baseball team. Mr. McKeever was a prolific reader and stayed informed about international, national, and local events. He always loved a good debate on current issues. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Helen McKeever and his brother, Michael McKeever. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Cynthia C. Gannaway of Falls Church; his sister, Jane E. McKeever of Arnold, Calif.; his nieces, Allison G. Barnett of Ohio and Maggie McKeever Grossberg of California; and his nephew, Thomas P. Gannaway II of Ohio. "Throughout his life he was accomplished, inventive, mischievous and principled. He loved his family and friends. The essence of Dan was that he had it all. He was personable, tough and smart," friends said of Mr. McKeever. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 3, 2006 at 2 p.m. at 312 Cherry Hill Park, Park Ave., Falls Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations go to the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Center at the University of Virginia. Checks should be payable to UVa Rector and Visitors; the memo line should state "In memory of Dan McKeever." They should be sent to the Office of University Development, P.O. Box 400807, Charlottesville, Va. 22904. Friends may sign the guest register at www.hillandwood.com