Eric Rolf Keller

Eric Rolf Keller, born August 18, 1958, lost his brave and courageous battle with colon cancer just before dawn on August 26, 2004, one week after his 46th birthday. A native of Northern Virginia, he excelled academically but was most proud of his athletic achievements, as he won numerous awards for baseball and basketball while growing up in Falls Church, Va. Later, parentally forced to forgo sports scholarship opportunities, Eric enrolled at the University of Richmond at the age of sixteen, where he succeeded at making the varsity basketball team as a walk-on his freshman year. In August 1980, he met his wife, Elizabeth Parrish Keller, whom he married twice, and is now survived by. Predeceased by his mother, Blanch Witherell Bohlander, and younger brother, Paul Keller, he is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sharon Keller; niece, Laura Keller; and father, Fred Keller, all of Palm Beach, Fla.; his two children, Austin Keller and Stephanie Keller of Richmond, Va.; two half brothers, Brian Bohlander of Northern Virginia, and Fredchen Keller of Palm Beach, Fla.; his mother-in-law, Jayne Parrish of Richmond, Va.; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jaye Parrish-Graf and Edward Graf of New Orleans, La. Eric, having been judged harshly by some for passing on a lucrative career in his father's real estate business after college, instead chose to live a simpler life and ran his own successful paint contracting business for more than 20 years here in Richmond. Fair to a fault and non-judgmental, he was known for his honesty and work ethic. As he was quick to make friends and always forgiving, his humor we will always remember, for Eric never hesitated to live life to its fullest while enjoying the simpler things in life. And even though his honesty could sometimes seem harsh, his integrity, sincerity, and love for his family remained unwavering. To those who knew and loved him, he was one of a kind. Therefore his family is honoring his request not to have a traditional service, but will instead have a more intimate gathering at home at a later date to celebrate his life. Eric's father often said, "He walked to the beat of his own drum." Though that drum may now be silent, may we never forget how it made us smile. The family wishes to thank all who have cared and sent their prayers, and wish all as he would, in his words... "Have a good life and be happy."