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BORN
1952
DIED
2016
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Kevin O'KEEFFE Obituary
Kevin Francis O'Keeffe was, by turn, a sportswriter, a public servant, a husband, a father, a brother, and a friend to all. After a battle with heart valve failure, he died Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 64.
O'Keeffe was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and shortly after moved to Chicago, where he spent his formative years. He went to Trinity University in San Antonio, where he studied journalism. He worked as a sportswriter at the San Antonio Express-News for a quarter of a century. While he wrote about everything from high school sports to tennis, he was most known for his writing about the San Antonio Spurs. He won multiple awards for his work as one of the sports section's columnists. In 1996, the Headliners Foundation of Texas recognized his groundbreaking report on violence against women by athletes as an extraordinary achievement in specialty reporting.
While San Antonians knew him best for his writing, O'Keeffe spent the last 17 years of his life working as a public servant for the state of Texas in Austin, first as speechwriter to then-attorney general John Cornyn, then in the same office's Child Support Division. But to simply talk about O'Keeffe in regard to his work would be to do his memory a disservice, for he was known best to many as a cherished, generous friend. There was no person O'Keeffe met that he didn't want to learn more about. From co-workers to column subjects to grocery store clerks, O'Keeffe found friendship in every corner of his world.
Nowhere was that more true than in his own family. O'Keeffe is survived by wife Cynthia O'Keeffe, son Kevin Patrick O'Keeffe, and sister Kathleen O'Keeffe Fairchild. O'Keeffe inspired - and continues to inspire - great love and kindness in those who knew him best. His son, who now lives in Brooklyn, New York, carries on his legacy as a journalist.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 5, 2016 at Weed-Corley-Fish at 3125 North Lamar Blvd. in Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Kevin F. O'Keeffe to The Los Angeles Loyolan Annual Scholarship at Loyola Marymount University, the alma mater of his son, to support and inspire young journalists. Please make checks payable to Loyola Marymount University and send donations to: Alma Vorst, Development Services, Loyola Marymount University, One LMU Drive, Suite 2800, Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659.
Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin O'KEEFFE
Sponsored by Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - North.
BARBARA BRIDGES
August 29, 2020
I cannot believe you have been gone for 4 years now. Your kindness and love will always be missed. God bless your sweet wife and son that is left behind. Barbara Bridges
Bobbie Kellner
September 30, 2016
I first encountered Kevin when he contacted me about an employee in my office. Kevin wrote a monthly column about employee KUDOs, but he wouldn't just re-print others' comments. He painted detailed pictures of special hard-working state employees in the best tradition of investigatory journalism to individually recognize each person for the contributions he discovered that they were making not just at work, but also in their communities. Each story was a work of art crafted to make the person feel special.
Later, when I moved to Austin, I had the privilege of "officing" a few doors down from Kevin for several years. I watched him pour his time and his caring into so many different duties that were focused on making people feel special. I always saw him with a smile and he always had a kind word for each of us. Well, some of the words were really bad puns that he would deliver with a straight face; then the smile would come when you had to laugh.
As Kevin's coworkers, we were very blessed to have Kevin's influence in our lives. I wanted to thank Kevin's family for sharing him with us and let you know that he was so proud and talked about you often. You were never far from his thoughts. God Bless you all.
Elizabeth House
September 28, 2016
I am just reading the passing of such a unique and special person, my heart is sad of this news, I meet Kevin in a Spanish class in San Antonio, with the OAG, he was a super nice person, we had a work relation through email mostly after that class, but he was always kind and positive even over emails. Definitely an angel has been added to heaven. he always had kind words to lift our spirits, my condolences to his wife and family.
AJ D
September 28, 2016
Hello Kevin! How are you? (Kevin: "Well, much better now, how about yourself?")
It has taken me awhile to write this as my eyes still tear up with a smile just thinking of this sweet man. I walk in those doors at state office wishing to hear his voice but knowing I won't. It saddens me. Kevin will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
AN ABSOLUTE STELLAR PERFORMANCE BY AN EXTRAORDINARY INDIVIDUAL.
Our hats off to you Kevin, you remain in our thoughts, prayers and always in our hearts. Condolences to his wife and son whom he often bragged about. He loved you both so very much.
Grace Rivera
September 28, 2016
Dedicated, Kind, Personable and the list of wonderful adjectives goes on when I think of Kevin. He is and always will be an inspiration of the type of person we want to be and be around. I will miss him, his humor, his wonderful outlook on life and most of all his smile and kind eyes.
Dalia Balladares
September 11, 2016
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of a dear friend, Kevin. He always sent me motivational letters, emails, notes. He was one of the kindest persons I've known. I will miss you.
Vance Rodriguez
September 9, 2016
I am sorry I missed the service for Kevin. He was always a good friend and the most courteous and gracious person I have ever known. He always showed genuine concern and interest in other people. I knew him to be a very unselfish person.
Amanda West
September 7, 2016
There are so many words to describe the impact Kevin had on this agency and me. When I came to CSD from "Across the River", Kevin was the first person to come by my cube and introduce himself. After that every morning he would come and ask me how I was and of course, as about my son.
I will miss those "Please Help" e-mails, he would send me.
God Bless....
Aimee Evins
September 6, 2016
Kevin was such a kind hearted & sincere man. He would send handwritten notes of encouragement to me from time to time. I still have one he wrote me 7 years ago when I started at the agency. I'm so happy I got to talk to him and share Kaylee with him last month. That is something that was so important to him.....family. He would always light up when talking about Cynthia or Kevin Patrick. He will truly be missed.
Carol Collier-Murphy
September 6, 2016
One thing I will remember about Kevin was how much he loved his wife and son. He spoke of Cynthia and Kevin Patrick often and thought he was the luckiest man to have you in his life. My sympathies are with you both.
Paul Babb
September 6, 2016
I met Kevin at Trinity University. When I saw his jump shot and his tennis game, I thought he had the makings of a great writer. When I saw him talk to women, I was sure he would make a wonderful priest. When I met his parents, I knew he had material for a lifetime, no matter which path he chose ... I am sad beyond words for Cynthia, for Kevin Patrick, for sister Kathleen, for all of us. Kevin was a great friend, the Irish Catholic spiritual leader of a gang of seven friends who still see and love each other 40 years later. At Fenwick, Trinity, the Express-News and the AG's office, Kevin made friendships that made the world a better place. I hope and believe he knew that.
John Gonzales
September 6, 2016
My prayers and condolences to Mrs. O'Keeffe and son Kevin Jr. I first met Kevin here at the Office of the Attorney General and from day one we bonded and became good friends (co-workers). He could'nt help but notice my cubicle which displays San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, and Texas Longhorn paraphernalia. We engaged in sports talk conversations almost daily. He shared personal stories of encounters with so many sports players, sports writers,and coaches he both met and interviewed and some who were his friends. From the most serious to the most funny true sports stories and there was always a new one to be told. He gave me a Tex Schramm decal of his that I still have today. It's special...coming from him. Almost daily but surely weekly, Kevin would bring newspaper clips and lay them on my chair in my cubicle. Come Monday's, I was greeted with a stack of newspaper articles on my chair. He would take a pen marker and highlight headline stories, paragraphs, or quotes and insert a personal humorous quote or phrase himself. (He called Jerry Jones...JERRA...LOL!!!)Later that day we would have our discussions on those special topics. I always looked forward to those chats. My chair has been empty for over a week...I miss that...I miss him. It is a daily reminder for me. A reminder that we are here today and gone tomorrow. A reminder that we should appreciate our friends and loved ones everyday. And a reminder that people as SPECIAL, KIND, and LOVING, like Mr. O'Keefe are true treasures of life and everlasting friends that never go away...we just will not see them anymore. Kevin my true friend, may you rest in peace with your parents and we all love you. And know that for every future special sports making event...I will think of you, the first one being Sept. 4, 2016 Labor Day...Horns beat the Irish. Perhaps that was your first sports editorial story...in your new home...heaven.
~All My Heart~
John Gonzales
Greg Lucas
September 6, 2016
I just learned of Kevin's death on-line and am very much saddened. We first got to know each other in San Antonio in 1980 with the San Antonio Spurs when he was one of the beat writers and I was working for WOAI radio. Later Kevin joined us at WOAI as a free lance weekend sports talk host and quickly developed a great ability to handle that job very well. When he left sports to work for in state government, journalism lost a very bright star. And now so has the life of those who knew him closely.
Gene Duffey
September 5, 2016
Moved to Texas in 1985 to cover the University of Houston for the old Houston Post. UH was off the second week of the season and Rick Hinton, the best sports editor I ever worked for, assigned me to cover Baylor at Georgia. Kevin was on the trip. It was the first time I met him and he treated me like an old friend, introducing me around. It seemed as if everyone knew him, even in Georgia. He became one of the best friends I ever had. After the Houston Post went out of business in 1995, I got a job with the Huntsville Times in Alabama. Kevin wrote a letter to the managing editor, telling him what a good hire he had made. When I suffered a heart attack in 2009, Kevin drove down from Austin to Houston to visit me in the hospital. He was one of the most gracious, kind people I ever met. I will miss him forever.
stephen dean
September 5, 2016
Okay...this one stings a bit...OK...A LOT> he was one of those rare people that could tear away the human foibles, and connect with anyone in front of him (but it really didn't matter if they were in front of him) and connect on that ethereal level. You know, where you are comfortable.
I can only put my belief, knowledge of, and personal contact with this beautiful soul in the context of a weary traveler (me) seeing an understanding of this man's essence., and in the process was illuminated within......QUITE A GIFT FROM A MAN WHO WAS SO HUMBLE NOT TO ASSUME ANY PERSONAL CREDIT. You are and always will be genuine Kevin.
Kevin, you may have been in my training classes, but you are now the teacher....thank you my friend. Missing your daily visits to my office for "all that matters".
Peace be with you...and this conversation will continue.
Stephen E. Dean Sr.
bill glass
September 5, 2016
I knew Kevin through my Tennis days back in the late 70's...He followed our state championship team for the express-news and got my picture on the sports page eventually!!Pretty big deal for an 18 year old!!He was incredibly kind and foremost was a great listener and retold stories the way he heard them!!!My condolences to his family!!!What a very impressive man!!!
marissa silvera-gaskins
September 5, 2016
I was a young sports reporter at the E-N when I first met Kevin. He treated me with respect and kindness and taught me by example how to be a true professional in the world of sports. He was a talented columnist and a gracious man. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones. God Bless You.
Frank Arnold
September 5, 2016
So sorry to here of Kevin's passing at such a young age. I first met Kevin when he was a sports reporter for the Express-News in San Antonio. Being a high school coach, I talked with Kevin often and am proud to call him a good friend. Kevin was a kind, generous, very professional reporter. He did two or three personal articles about myself and or our teams. It did not take long to realize that Kevin was a kind, generous, and sincere reporter/person. He was intent about writing a detailed and indepth story; one that gave you a true and complete picture of the subject. Kevin became a true friend. His kind and sincere demeanor stood out. After he left San Antonio he was always quick to stay in touch by sending a congratulatory note or card on any award I received. He was a wonderful friend that went the extra mile to make your day better. He was a very kind and gracious man. Truly a blessing in my life. Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to all of the family. Frank Arnold, friend, coach, Boerne, Texas
Elvia Cavazos
September 5, 2016
Kevin was kind enough to be a "celebrity" judge for our costume contest at my son's school, Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic School in San Antonio, TX. He did it happily and said "yes" without hesitation when asked. It was a school-wide (1st-8th) Halloween Costume Contest held in the school auditorium circa 1990. He was always ready, willing and able to be of assistance to someone in need. My condolences and deepest sympathy to Cynthia and Kevin Patrick. Kevin Patrick, I know that God has given you your father's talent for writing. You will soar. I worked at the San Antonio Light from 80-90, and later WOAI-AM1200 & The Ticket 760 from '90-98. Since then (98-present) co-owner of Cavazos Public Relations & Advertising, Inc., with my husband, Arthur. I still feel a special connection to Kevin because his middle name is Francis, which is also my patron saint. Greg Simmons, my fellow classmate from '74 Thomas Jefferson HS, did a touching tribute to Kevin last night on KSAT-TV from his live report in Austin following the TX vs ND game. It was very nice and showed the wonderful photo and obit that ran in the news section of the SA Express-News. Thank you to the San Antonio media community for remembering the lasting impact and lives touched by Kevin in the Alamo City. Kevin, que Dios te de el descanso eterno. Respectfully submitted, Elvia Cavazos, Friend, San Antonio, Texas, Sep 05, 2016
Rebecca Foster
September 5, 2016
I had the privilege to work with Jevin in his many years of public service. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity & welcoming smile. I was blessed to know him.
Tommy Anderson
September 5, 2016
Kevin was such a dear friend to me and I would always introduce him to new staff, "The nicest man you will ever meet". Kevin and I shared so much when we arrived early at work and talked about families and faith. He was a true blessing in my life and I will never forget him.
Mike Gale
September 5, 2016
Shocked at losing a friend from back in the good ol' days in San Antonio. The many interviews will be remembered reverently. Many prayers to his family.
Laura Roberson
September 5, 2016
A "gentleman's gentleman", Kevin will be missed by all who met him. He was a gracious and kind person, respected and admired. My heart is broken by his passing. Cynthia and Kevin - gain comfort in knowing how much your beloved husband and father meant to all of us at the Attorney General's Office.
Glenn Vance
September 5, 2016
It was a true pleasure to read Kevin's columns and sports articles in San Antonio, and later an honor to work with him and call him a good friend. Like Will Rogers, he never met a man (or woman) he didn't like.
Alice Fernandez
September 5, 2016
I met Kevin when I started my journey into the AG's Office for Child Support. He was very compassionate and had empathy for the young men and women we had encountered in the Hospital. He took Child Support very seriously as I did. Your Husband, father brother left this world to soon. He will dearly be missed by many. Please know that Our Lord will embrace you always. May God Bless the whole family and keep you safe. With my dearest sympathy. Alice Fernandez Friend, San Antonio, Texas
Patty Moroney
September 4, 2016
My heart is broken into a million pieces. Kevin sent me a sweet, "just thinking of you" email recently telling me he was about to retire. Then came the news of his passing. Kevin, you were, and always will be the most wonderful friend anyone could ask for. You touched so many lives and I for one, will never forget you. Thank you for making my world a little brighter with your genuine kindness and sweet smile. My heartfelt condolences goes out to your family.
Sheri Wolf Rosen
September 4, 2016
Kathleen, "condolences" doesn't say nearly enough. Your brother treasured you. Cynthia and Kevin P, draw on the support from all the people who knew Kevin as an amazing friend, including those of us in San Antonio. I remember Kevin most for his belief that I could do more than I thought I could, and he was always right.
Howard Baldwin
September 4, 2016
As a Diehard Spurs fan who lived in San Antonio, I first learned of Kevin, from his wonderful columns in the SA Express-News. His writing was lively, and he surely told you just what he thought about a given subject. Just ask Gregg Popovich. But later at the AG's Office in Austin, I got to know Kevin the man, husband and father. We became friends, a friendship that still lives on. Kevin was kind, nice, but not boring. Our conversations were always interesting and fun. I will miss our lunches and our talks.
Cynthia and Kevin, his love for you was overwhelming and warm. God Bless You, and God Bless and keep Kevin close by in his Eternal Care. Howard
Chris Adams
September 4, 2016
Cynthia, so sorry to learn of your recent and unexpected loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Johnny Sherman
September 3, 2016
In my time , Kevin was a major contributor for the comedy team of Robinson, Cook, O'Keeffe, Flores, Bruton, Broyles, Page, Klepper, and Hines, locally known as the Express News Sports Department.
Phillip Plyler
September 3, 2016
I was honoured to work with Kevin. His kind spirit lives in all of us who were fortunate to cross paths with him.
Barbara Bridges
September 3, 2016
Kevin... You will be so missed. You are the most loving, caring person I have ever met. You are so proud of your family, Cynthia and Kevin. You just called me and told me you were retiring. I left you a message at work the day you passed. My heart is so broken that I did not get to talk to you. But congratulations, my friend, you are in heaven celebrating a greater accomplishment. God bless your family and surround them with comfort as you will be so missed. See you again on day.
Barbara Bridges
September 3, 2016
Barbara
James Hill
September 3, 2016
I had the honor of knowing Kevin at Trinity University and the Express-News. He was an extraordinary journalist and columnist. More importantly, he was one of the kindest people I ever met. When my mom died 20 years ago, I delivered the obit to the paper. Kevin made a point of coming down to speak with me. Kevin, I still write for the media. I need you to keep on inspiring me. Watch over us! James Hill, San Antonio.
Brenda Gonzalez
September 2, 2016
Kevin was the nicest person I have ever met, to say the least. His bright smile and caring heart will never be forgotten. The thing I admired most about him was his unfailing faith and trust in God. I will miss his daily greetings dearly and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him as he was one of a kind. He will be truly missed. May you rest in peace. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Janet Monroe Sherman
September 2, 2016
Levin and I were youngsters together at the E-N. My heart goes out to you in this especially difficult time.
William Walker
September 2, 2016
I was stunned to learn yesterday of Kevin's untimely death! I got to know him very well back in the 1970s, when he was a student at Trinity University, I was a Professor of Religion, and he was in one of my classes. Kevin was bright, articulate, sensitive, compassionate, out-going, etc. The world is a sadder place with him gone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Kevin was one of the "saints" so far as I am concerned.
William O. Walker, Jr.
Jennie Farris Railey King Professor Emeritus of Religion
Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas
Tom Orsborn
September 2, 2016
Kevin touched my life in a variety of ways, as a gracious mentor at the Express-News, a loyal friend and as a matchmaker, introducing me to my wife, Beth. Long after he left the Express-News, I often operated under guidelines and values he taught me. Above all, I'll remember him as a kind, generous person who never met a stranger. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Lily Escalon
September 2, 2016
My deepest condolences the family. I was blessed to have worked with Kevin and I will always be grateful to have met him. He was a kind and caring gentleman and because of him I was a able to get through my fight against Cancer. Thank you Mr. O'Keeffe.
Larry Going
September 2, 2016
I worked with Kevin at the San Antonio Express-News from 1986 to 1995. Always good for a laugh, definitely a fine columnist. Many of his columns would start off, ''Have you got a minute?'', and Kevin always had a minute for anyone. In other columns, he'd note a subject as ''one of the good guys,'' and Kevin personified that. He was one of the good guys, and he was one of the nicest people I have ever known. It's hard to find someone like Kevin Francis O'Keeffe in today's world. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
CONNIE Gonzales
September 2, 2016
My deepest condolences to the O'Keeffe family. Kevin you will be missed so much. May you R.I.P
Lauren Villa
September 2, 2016
My thought and prayers are with the O'Keeffe family. May his memory be a blessing.
Lauren Z. Villa
tony uminski
September 2, 2016
Just a wonderful person. Kind, generous with his time, Kevin was a good friend whom I lost track of when he left the Express-News. Figures he would work in the Child's Division. When I signed on with the Spurs stats crew, and later as a freelance broadcaster with KTSA, it was Kevin who welcomed me with open arms. I thought a man of his stature treating me as an equal was amazing, considering others who weren't as generous with their friendship. Shocked that he left us so young, but there must be stories to write in the next level. Bless you, Kevin for your friendship and bless your family who are dealing with your departure. tony uminski
san antonio
Keith Kendall
September 2, 2016
I first met Kevin in 1970 at Trinity University when we were freshman. Together with five others (7 in all), we formed a close group of friends. There are now five of us left. Although we don't get to see each other often enough, we still remain close. The description of Kevin is quite accurate. I would add that he had a fine sense of humor and could easily laugh at himself. As a group, we were, at times, capable of playing pranks on each other. Kevin certainly took his share with a laugh, as only Kevin could laugh. He left this world much too early. Thoughts, prayers and hugs to Cynthia, Kevin and Kathleen.
Bill & Jackie Breedlove
September 2, 2016
I am stunned and my heart is broken at the loss of this wonderful man. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known and always had a smile and a kind word. While heaven is blessed by his presence today the world is a dimmer place without his joyful light in it. My thoughts and prayers are with Cynthia and Kevin.
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