Dr. Neil John O'KEEFE

Dr. Neil John O'Keefe peacefully passed at home on September 4, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born to Dr. Neil John O'Keefe Sr. and Elsie Marie Logan on December 5, 1941, in Butte, Montana. Neil was the oldest brother to Colleen, Maureen, and Hugh. Neil graduated from Butte Central in 1959, Gonzaga University in 1962, and the University of Oregon Medical School in 1966. He completed his Otolaryngology residency in Dallas, Texas before moving to Spokane in 1973.

While in medical school, Neil married his true love, Marguerite (Peggy) Fitzmaurice on December 22, 1965, in Seattle, Washington. Within the next four years, Neil and Peggy welcomed their first four children: Shannon, Erin, Neil, and Sean. After finishing medical school and interning at Santa Clara County Hospital, Neil practiced on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. He was so loved by the Native Americans he served, that they named him their own "American Eaglehead." Neil and Peggy's daughter Megan was born nine years after Sean and daughter Kelly five years after that which completed the O'Keefe family.

After moving to Spokane permanently, Neil joined Spokane Ear Nose & Throat Clinic where he remained a partner until 2009. He was as dear to his patients and staff as they were to him. His humble, gentle way put his patients at ease. The practice of medicine was an integral part of the man he was. It was common for friends and family to stop by the O'Keefe house for him to treat a wide array of medical conditions.

Neil's family and friends were the priority in his life. Till the end, he maintained lifelong friendships with the "Butte boys" enjoying trips and vacations throughout their many years together. Proud of his Irish heritage, his only hole-in-one was achieved while playing golf in Ireland. He loved to travel, golf at Manito Country Club with his regular foursome, and follow his Zags, Mariners, and other sports teams. He was always a quiet force within a crowd affectionately referred to by Peggy as "o'l tons of fun" Neil truly enjoyed being with his loved ones, just never the center of attention.

Pops will always be revered and adored by his 6 children: Shannon (Brian Habib), Erin (Joseph Hojnacki), Neil (Heather McFarland), Sean (Heather Baiter), Megan (Mark Case), and Kelly (Bryan Case). He was beloved by his 17 grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

Neil was always dedicated to his Catholic faith. Whether at home or on vacation, Neil would be found at Sunday Mass. Locating the nearest Catholic church while on a trip was always the first thing on the itinerary.

To celebrate Neil's life, a vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on September 29, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima, 3327 S Perry St, Spokane, WA 99203. Funeral Mass will be held the following day, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice House of Spokane and/or All Saints Catholic School. Online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org.