Gary Patrick Keeley

1938 - 2023

Inspired by all who knew and loved him Gary Patrick Keeley beloved educator and restaurateur passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023 in Santa Cruz, CA he was 85 years old.A lifelong reader and passionate for education, Gary was born July 2nd 1938 in San Francisco CA to parents Estella and Michael Keeley. His family moved to Corralitos, CA in 1947 where he lived for over 80 years. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1955 where he met his wife Marlene June Beebe. They were married in 1958 Pacific Grove. They moved to San Jose, CA where he worked for Kaiser Refractories with his brother Dennis. In 1964 his wife and two children Mark and Loren moved to Yokosuka, Japan where he sold cars to naval officers. While in Japan they made lifelong friends and countless wonderful stories were told.The family moved back to Corralitos and he pursued his Masters degree in English at the University of Santa Clara. He taught English and poetry at Cabrillo College, his true passion, and continued to take classes into his 80's with lifelong friend Leslie Evans. In 1973 his wife Marlene and sister Sharon, opened a small creperie "The Other Side" in Santa Cruz CA, the business grew and evolved and eventually became The Crepe Place. After 35 years of the family run business Gary retired. He loved the business and the social network of friends he cultivated throughout the years. The Crepe Place continues to be an iconic and integral part of the Santa Cruz community. Gary loved the arts, literature, music and was always willing to play his harmonica at our barn parties. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing including many "hell hikes" in the Sierras. He loved his Giants and Forty Niners, always up for a card game, and playing chess. Gary loved traveling, especially to Mexico. One Christmas in Cabo San Lucas he asked the mariachi band to play the song "Mexicali Rose", I thought he was the coolest dad in the world. Gary was a force of personality, witty, always a positive attitude which served him through many life's challenges. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his three children Mark, Loren and Michelle, two grandchildren Liam and Juliana, along with three siblings Barbara, Dennis and Sharon. His wife Marlene passed away in 2003. He will be missed by nephews, nieces, cousins and numerous family and friends. Gary's life story will continue, his legacy will be treasured. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 10, Corralitos Community Center 2 pm. A dish to share would be much appreciated.