Hugh Keenan

09/19/1919 - 10/10/2009

KEENAN, Dr. Hugh C. "Bud" (Age 90) Hugh had the good fortune of passing away peacefully in his home on Oct. 10, 2009, in Walla Walla, WA. He was born Sept. 19, 1919 in Spokane, WA to Dr. Hubert and Marguerite Keenan. As a young boy people called him "Bud"; from then on he was known as "Bud" or "Uncle Bud" to friends and family. Bud was a superior student-athlete at Gonzaga High School; in his senior year he earned First-Team All-City Football honors, was a champion debater, elected Student Body President, Senior Vice President, and valedictorian for the class of 1937. Bud next attended Gonzaga University for two years, majoring in pre-law as he planned on becoming an attorney. However, Bud decided he wanted to pursue a medical career, so he transferred to Stanford University and changed his major to pre-med, graduating with a Medical Science degree in 1940. Bud was then accepted to the Marquette University School of Medicine. While still a medical student, he joined the Navy Reserve in 1942 after the United States entered World War II. Bud received his Degree of Doctor of Medicine (A.B.) from Marquette University in September, 1944. Bud went on to serve two tours of duty in the Navy, first as medical officer aboard the USS Paul Hamilton and USS Kwajalein in the Pacific (October, 1944 to May, 1946), and then during the Korean War (November, 1952 to August, 1954) as a surgeon aboard the USS Consolation. In Lt. Hugh Keenan's April 1954 Report On The Fitness of Officers, his CO wrote: "This officer has shown an exceptional amount of ability. His work and knowledge of fundamentals reflects an outstanding academic background. His surgical technique and judgment are considered to be excellent. He is studious, intensely eager to learn and is possessed of a most pleasing personality." The young naval surgeon also received an OUTSTANDING rating for: Intelligence, Judgment, Initiative, Force ("Strong, dynamic"), Leadership, Moral Courage ("Exceptionally courageous"), Cooperation, Loyalty, Perseverance, Endurance and Industry. Bud earned the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the Korean Service, United Nations and National Defense Service medals. Prior to his second tour of duty Bud did his residency at Sacred Heart Hospital, and eventually completed his surgical residency, or Fellowship, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Following a honorable discharge from the Navy, Bud returned to Spokane to raise his family and entered general practice as a General Surgeon. He transferred to Wainwright VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, July, 1971, where he was Chief of Surgery, and retired there in September, 1994. Bud was a brilliant, dedicated and ethical physician - many former patients literally owe their lives to him. He never refused medical treatment to a patient, even if they had no ability to pay. The Hippocratic Oath says in part, "never do harm to anyone" and Bud lived those words; he was just always "there" for anybody who needed help. Those fortunate enough to know him, always they'll remember his kind manner, easy laughter, keen sense of humor and incredible intellect. Women of all ages adored him, because he was so handsome, so charming, so much the gentleman. Despite his extreme popularity and many accomplishments, it was anathema for Bud to ever talk about himself. On the rare occasions when he did, it was in a humorous, self-deprecating way. He was predeceased by first wife Mary Genevieve (Doran), and sisters Patricia (Lammers), Louise (Porter) and Ellen (Armour/Larkin). Special thanks go to his surviving wife of 38 years, Arlene "Suzie" (Gustafson), who devoted her life to lovingly care for her husband. He is also survived by daughters Coleen O'Brien and Margaret Mary "Marny" Gaylord (husband Randall), both of Orcas Island, son Daniel Keenan (wife Shirley Dragoo), of Spokane, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Bud was a member of American College of Surgeons, The Doctors Mayo Society, Priestly Society of the Mayo Clinic, Alpha Delta Phi and Phi Chi fraternities. A dedication service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the VA Medical Center Chapel, followed that afternoon with a "Celebration of Life" for Bud at 4 p.m. in the Center for Enology & Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. We will not see his kind again.