Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Dennis Keen Obituary
KEEN, Dennis
Dennis Keen passed quietly on February 7, 2011. Dennis was born March 23, 1950 to Roland and Evelyn (Matzke) Keen of Juda, WI. He moved to Washington State in 1974 to attend the University of Washington. He graduated with a Masters in English and a Masters in Library Science. Mr. Keen moved to Spokane, WA and was an Instructor of English at Spokane Community College (SCC) from 1987 until his recent death. He was known for his outstanding work with students and recognized for his exceptional service and leadership at the College. Generations of students have been impacted by his instruction and will continue to benefit from his three textbooks.
Dennis is survived by his wife Virginia Tomlinson; his daughters Elizabeth, New York City and Olivia, Spokane; sisters: Marilyn (Jack) Michel, Wenatchee, WA, Carol Hasse, Juda, WI, and Mary (Dave Antonneau) Keen, Northfield, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Russ Keen. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:30 pm at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Avenue, Spokane, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be designated to the Dennis Keen Memorial Scholarship through the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation or to the CancerCare Northwest Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Keen
Larry, Michelle, Zakary Petrilla
February 19, 2011
My deepest condolences for you...
Helen Carpenter
February 18, 2011
February 18th, 2011
It was a great privilege to have known Dennis. His positive outlook on life was an inspiration to all, especially his "hall mates." His leadership and respect and caring for students is irreplacable!!. I am sorry I missed his service (I was out of town). My thoughts and prayers have been with all of his family and friends.
Sue Frasier
February 17, 2011
Dennis was amazing and his death is a loss for all of us. Working with him for more than 10 years was a great experience; I respected his insight with students, and loved his quiet yet firm and straightforward leadership of the English department at SCC. Godspeed, Dennis.
Sue Frasier
Tanya Ratulowski
February 13, 2011
i am sorry for your loss and i am keeping you all in my thoughts. i love you mom and i send all my love to you.
Marcia Green
February 11, 2011
So very sorry for your loss. He was a spectacular human being and we all are all the better for having had him cross our paths, even if for a minute.
Marcia Green
February 10, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the Keen family. Our thoughts are with you.
Brad and Karen Zimmerman
Diana Osborne
February 10, 2011
A rare mensch and a beautiful spirit - what a loss to all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to the family and close friends.
Sharon R. Kelly
February 9, 2011
He really won't be far away. His happy countenance remains here at SCC, I believe, in many ways. We won't forget his whistling down the hall either.
Tom Gross
February 9, 2011
Dear Family,
I am so very sorry and grieved at the passing of Dennis. I'll always remember the fun and adventurous vacation Dennis, Liz, Russ and I took many years ago. The laughter, stories, food and of course the whitewater rafting are etched in my memory forever. His leaving will create an empty space but I hope that space can be somewhat filled with good memories and treasured family moments of the past. You are such a wonderful family and my love and prayers are with you at this time & always.
Tom Gross
MJ Willard
February 9, 2011
Dennis was so kind to me and generous with his time when I first started as a publishers representative. I was so pleased when he signed to write for us. All of us at Cengage will miss him.
Tracy Staab
February 8, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dennis was a wonderful part of Olivia's softball group. We will miss him.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Dennis Keen's name
Memorial Events
for Dennis Keen
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral & Cremation508 North Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Keen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
