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Thomas Keefer Obituary

Thomas Duret Keefer
December 9, 1937 – September 15, 2020
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tom has been a Californian since 1966. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, three sons, Philip, Lawrence and Paul, and their wives, Vera, Karalee and Elizabeth. Their daughter, Cynthia Keefer Viegas, died in 1991. He leaves seven beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Natalie, Sebastian, Benjamin, Lucas, Anne and Ella. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Tappin of Tucson, AZ. Tom brought great joy into all of their lives.
Tom enjoyed a 42 year career with Lincoln National Reinsurance. In 1966, he transferred to the San Francisco office, selling reinsurance throughout the West. In 1999, Tom and Barbara moved to Brussels to represent Lincoln Re in Europe for almost 2 years, a wonderful finale to his years with Lincoln.
Tom had a great love for music, especially opera and the symphony. Despite his unrelenting cancer, he was able to play tennis until recently, which gave him so much pleasure. He was a member of Sons in Retirement (SIRS), and volunteered faithfully at St. Vincent de Paul. He was also a member of St. Bart's Men's Prayer Group for many years.
The sum of a person's life is more than what they do, but whatever Tom did, he did with gusto. He was a man of faith, integrity and warmth. He had a generous spirit and a love of life. He and Barbara celebrated 60 years of marriage in May, a gift they cherished.
A Mass celebrating Tom's life will be held in Our Lady of Angels Upper Parking Lot, Burlingame, on Monday, September 21, at 11 a.m.
The family asks that any remembrances be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, 50 N. B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401; The Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Dr. , Burlingame, CA 94010; or Mission Hospice, 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 18 to Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Keefer

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

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4 Entries

Bruce Barton

September 24, 2020

Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. It has taken awhile for the word to reach me in NC or I would have responded sooner. I really liked Tom and enjoyed working with him very much. He was a kind spirit and always very enthusiastic and up beat. I will miss him and hope that you and the family are doing well. Bruce Barton

Sally Brisby Elliott

September 20, 2020

I worked with Tom for a number of years in San Francisco. He was a great partner and a good friend. We had fun times in that office! My condolences to Barb and the family.

Dn. Marty - SVdP

September 20, 2020

Mr. Keefer was a very kind and devoted volunteer with St Vincent de Paul Society and for many many years he gave his time and his beautiful smile and his compassion to all. He touched many with his kindness and caring. God Bless Him and his family, until they meet again in Heaven. Dn. Marty - SVdP

Gretchen Lott and Joe Romano

September 19, 2020

We will miss you Tom. Our time with you and Barbara as neighbors celebrating cocktail hour and dinners and our service together as fellow Vincentians was always filled with "gusto" fun and great love. We will remember you always and care for your beloved Barbara until you meet again. Love Always, Gretchen and Joe.

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Memorial Events
for Thomas Keefer

Sep

21

Service

11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Angels Church

1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service

2 Park Road, Burlingame, CA 94010

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