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John Keys Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Keys
Sponsored by FRED & CAROLYN CRAWFORD.
Christy Braeger
July 23, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. John sounds like a man who touched the lives of many. When death takes hold of a loved one suddenly it can be quite an emotional roller coaster. I'm the mother of Gary's two children; Dustin 21 and Chandra 19. As we try to process the tragedy our thoughts drifted to you. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that the good "Lord" God comforts your soul. Warmly, Christy Braeger
Joel Layne
July 15, 2008
John was one of the finest men and leaders I ever met. He respected and listened to the opinions of those who served him. He had the unique ability to put anyone at ease he dealt with. A fine gentleman is gone; we'll miss him.
Lupe Pruneda
June 22, 2008
I worked for John Keys @ Reclamation in Boise. At this time, I was a single parent and working my way through college. John encouraged me many times when juggling all of this seemed overwhelming. I could not have finished without his kind words and support. He will never be forgotten. May Our Lord comfort all those who love him.
John Maloney
June 17, 2008
Dell,
John was one of my best friends in officiating. We talked about every two weeks on the phone ever since we retired from the field. Many years ago we had a pact that we would tell one another when "it was time" to retire!! Unfortunately, he retired long before it was time for him to leave the field because he said he "couldn't say NO to George!" John was one of a kind and I will miss our frequent conversations. My prayers are with you.
Gary and Judy Spangelo
June 15, 2008
We were very saddened in hearing of John's accident. I worked for the Bureau in the Pacific Northwest Region during practically all of John's time in Boise. During the last four years of my career, I worked directly for John in Boise. That was a very enjoyable time for me. John was great to work for. Being less than proficient in managing my own time, I was always impressed and amazed by what he accomplished. He could do what he did and still have time for people. He was a leader in the strongest sense. He showed you could be boss and still be a great guy. Dell, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gay Hill
June 12, 2008
Del and Family,
I met John Keys while Del was working at Family Practice Residency.
He said, when we met him, 'we are Dr. and Mr. Del Keys, and I am so proud to be married to this beautiful
woman.' His face showed so much
admiration and love for her. And he
was such a wonderful and humble man. I am so sorry for your loss.
I attended the funeral service in
Boise and it was a beautiful service.
I had a father just like your dad and
when he passed, I never got over missing him, until I figured out that I was blessed with his memory for the rest of my life. My grandchildren can tell you as much about my dad as I can. You'll start having conversations with him.
Your husband and father will be with you all no matter what, because there are very few of us who get
to have someone as special as him
in our lives.
You are in my prayers. Del I worked
with you at the Residency and the
became a patient of yours until you
moved to Utah. Your children and
Grandchildren are so blessed to have you
in their lives also. What a beautiful
family you all are.
George Caan
June 12, 2008
John was a great man and a great friend. He made everyone he spoke with feel special and I will cherish all the memories I had in his company. He will truly be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Angie Manthey
June 11, 2008
I wanted to convey my thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time. My brother Gary was the passenger in the plane with John.
bob mccullough
June 11, 2008
Del and family,
Our prayers are with you and may the Lord wrap His arms around you. He is the source of comfort and strength. John was special from our days in Bismarck in 1969 throughout our careers. God Bless, Bob & Marty
James Bailey
June 11, 2008
Dear Robin, Dell and Family,
I was so very sorry to read about John's untimely passing. Knowing him through Robin's sharing over the years - there's no doubt he left an indelible mark on so many people. His contribution is significant and will be remembered.
Fern (Gilbert) Pohs
June 10, 2008
Dell, Kathy, Robin, and Family...
I am so sadden by the news or John's accident & death that I received from my Boise friends. Sometimes special people seem to get far more than their share of heartbreak.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Newburg
June 10, 2008
Dear Robin and Family,
I was so sad to hear of your Dad's passing, Robin. I never met your Dad, but just reading the entries in this guest book, I know he was a great man. His values and compassion carry on in you. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. May Peace be with you.
Amy Jurries-Kamm
June 9, 2008
Dear Keys family,
I am incredibly saddened by your loss. I never met John, but as an old friend of Robin's I know he must have been wonderful since he had such wonderful daughters. God's peace to you during this most difficult time.
Lisa Pattan
June 9, 2008
Dell, I am so sorry for your family's loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed visiting with both you and John when you would come into Western Aircraft. I am thankful to have known John and I wish you well.
Heather Belliveau
June 9, 2008
Dear Robin and Family;
I'm truly sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please know that you have the love and support of your friends.
Larry Pratt
June 7, 2008
John was a great guy and good friend, someone you wanted to spend time with no matter the situation. I'm so glad to have had that one last visit with him in Alabama recently, he hadn't change one bit from the friend I ran with in high scool. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. We all loved John.
Ralph Sokolowsky
June 7, 2008
John always made you feel like a close friend. I was truely saddened by his tragic death. He was a great Commissioner. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
Larry Sanich
June 7, 2008
Dell,
Sorry for your loss. John was a great individual.
I had the honor to serve as John's umpire for two seasons. He taught me a lot about football and more importantly, about life.
Jean Boyer
June 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with with the Keys' family at this most difficult time. I had the privilege of working for John in the PN Region - you could not have asked for a "better boss". I always appreciated him for having the "Open Door" policy for anyone who needed to talk.
Mike&Lane Foster
June 6, 2008
We are so sorry for your lost.
We so respect you and your family. you are one of the stongest and determinded women we have ever met. Love and blessings to you and your families; Mike and Lane Foster
Michelle, Alex, Marin & Sydney Axtell
June 6, 2008
Dear Dell, Robin, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. I am sharing memories of John as the dear, sweet dad down the street. I loved visiting your house because he was always so kind and often joined our games, from race-track building to football. Truly the best parts of him shine through in you and all that you do. Much love.
CAROLYN & FRED CRAWFORD
June 6, 2008
DELL
WHEN YOU & JOHN SO GRACIOUSLY OPENED YOUR HOME TO US LAST JULY, WE TRULY FELT LIKE A PART OF THE FAMILY. AND NOW READING ALL OF THE CONDOLENCES & NEWS ARTICLES, WE ARE OVERWHELMED THAT WE HAVE THE MEMORY OF JOHN TAKING US ON A FLIGHT OVER HIS BELOVED CANYONLAND. HE WAS A GIANT AMONG US.
I REALIZED TODAY THAT WE PROBABLY HAVE THE ONLY PHOTO OF CASEY'S GRANDFATHERS TOGETHER. I WILL SEND A COPY TO CASEY.
YOU ALL ARE CONSTANTLY ON OUR MINDS & WE UNDERSTAND THE SADNESS THAT YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH. WISH WE COULD BE THERE.
LOVE
Mike and Shelly Ryan
June 6, 2008
Dell, We are sorry for your loss. Shelly and I have fond memories of John and will miss him.
Anita Lewis
June 6, 2008
Dell, my sincerest sympathy goes flying out to you and your family. Anita
Jeanne Chick Whittington
June 6, 2008
Dear John Keys Family,
Please know that Reclamation's Washington office employees are so deeply saddened by the loss of such a dear friend and leader and that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May God bless and comfort each of you. In deepest sympathy, Jeanne
Sonja DeNeale
June 6, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Keys family. I had the honor of working with and for Johm at Reclamation for many years. There will never be a finer human being.
Carl (wootsie) Dixon
June 6, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew John from high school in Sheffield and lost track of him afterwards. I do remember what a good and friendly guy he was. I know he will be sorely missed. My family will pray for the John's family oftern.
Charles Jordan
June 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I have known the Keys family all my life, mostly from Old Brick and had the utmost respect for John and all his accomplishments. I know he was a great person loved by many and especially all his family. May the grace of God be with all the Keys family.
Charlie & Alda Jordan
Ben Fouts
June 5, 2008
I only knew John by reputation as a child. He went to high school with my older sisters in Sheffield, AL, and was highly thought of. May God comfort John's family at this time.
Walter Long
June 5, 2008
My deepest sympathy to John's family. I first got to know John when we were assigned to the same team on a week-long management training session in Denver. I felt at the time that John had all of the natural abilities for effectively managing people that were being taught at this training session. While with Reclamation in my many dealings with John, he was always personable, well versed on what we were working on, and had a great ability to effectively resolve problems. John was a great asset to Reclamation and the West. He will be sorely missed.
DeAnn & Darren Olsen
June 5, 2008
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Keys family at the passing of John. John was a great friend of my father Doug Toole and I considered him my husband's mentor. Year's ago John flew to Logan to meet my husband's professors and see what "water" projects he was working on. Several times each year John would send hand written letters or books, always genuinely interested in our lives and the direction of my husband's career. I had never met anyone with the depth of integrity of John. We lost my mother on May 8th due to an accident as well and speaking to John at that time he offered many words of comfort and support. I hope you know that our family would like to do the same for you. Always you will be in our thoughts and hearts.
DeAnn Toole and Darren Olsen
Mary LaMoy
June 5, 2008
Dell, I'm so very sorry for your family's loss. Everyone is thinking of you...
Mary
Jan Peterson
June 5, 2008
Dear Dell and family,
Please know that so many hearts go out to all of you at this time. I know what a large void John leaves behind him - I will always remember his cheerful, kind way with everyone.
Fondly, Jan Peterson
Jim Thomas
June 5, 2008
A terrible loss. I first met
John in Billings when I worked for the state. Later I joined Reclamation in Denver and followed his brilliant career closely. He would always stop to chat on the numerous times we ran into each other over the next 30 years He was a true gentleman - one of the finest men I ever knew.
Mary Lucachick
June 5, 2008
Dear Dell, Kathy and Robin:
John was my favorite rafter. I will never forget our Bruneau trips, the Main Salmon, Hells Canyon or Deso-Gray. Moab last spring was so nice. My heart goes out to you. The world is a better place because of John.
Penny Russell
June 5, 2008
My sincere sympathy to John's family.John was Regional Director when I came to the PN Region and was a great friend to all. He will be missed
Donna Bishop
June 5, 2008
To John's Family--My heart goes out to all of you. I've been with Reclamation for 11 1/2 years, and John's ability to remember everyone he met and actually call you by name on the 2nd meeting was astonishing to me. He will be greatly missed.
Ernie Pemberton
June 5, 2008
My thoughts and prayers for the Keys family. The days working with John in the Hydrology Branch of the Bureau of Reclamation in Denver were both challenging and rewarding. My coveted award from the Bureau was solely through John's efforts.
Karen Edwards (IWUA)
June 5, 2008
Dell - John was such a sweet man. He always had a smile and a kind word even to those of us who were secretaries. He treated me as if I were the "big boss"! I've missed him greatly since he left Boise but was lucky enough to see him several times at our conventions. You and your family are in my prayers at this time.
Roland Wood
June 5, 2008
Dell, A great man was taken to soon. I know John from football. He was a great example and teacher to all who officated the game he loved. He help many officals more than he ever knew.
Kathy Marshall
June 5, 2008
Dell, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. John was such a people person, so genuine and kind and always an encourager. He accomplished so much in his life and I know the biggest joy was his family. I had the privilege of working for him and will always feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Patty Mitchell
June 5, 2008
Dell, I know John is flying high now and touring the Big Sky. He loved what he was doing and loved the feeling of flight. Our thoughts are with you in your loss.
Patty and Robert Mitchell
BOB FERRESE
June 5, 2008
Time has a habit of taking us all. I fondly remember 1973 when we did a stint in DC. Doesn,t seem that long ago.
Terry Lynott
June 5, 2008
The passing of John has been a profound shock to all in the Reclamation community. He was an outstanding leader, great teacher, and wonderful friend. My condolences to everyone in the Keys family. Many good memories have been left by this great man!
Cheryl Anderson
June 5, 2008
I remember John from many years ago when I worked for the Bureau of Reclamation. He was such an inspiration to me and one of the most outstanding people I've met during my government career. I'll always remember him for his outstanding work he has accomplished during his government career.
John Sowell
June 5, 2008
Dell,
I have fond memories of John and you umpiring slowpitch softball games in Boise in the 1980s.
What sticks with me most was how humble John was. He was a big wheel in the BOR, yet he never talked about his position unless you asked him.
I told the county commissioners I cover here for a newspaper that same story when he was asked to come out of retirement and head the agency.
A part of him lives in me when I go out to officiate high school football, basektball and grils fastpitch softball games.
Phillip Sharpe
June 4, 2008
DELL
Since 1972 John had been a positive figure in my life. The world as I know it will not be the same without John. Sincerely Phil Sharpe
Walton Low
June 4, 2008
Dell, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your beloved husband and partner. I knew you both in Boise while we were members of the Courthouse Racquetball Club. John was an exceptional racquetball player and a great tale-teller at the drink table. I also had the opportunity to speak with John here in Washington during his tenure. He will be missed.
Bill and Jan Rinne
June 4, 2008
Dell, Jan and I express our deepest sympathy to you and all your family for the loss of John. I will always cherish the memories of working for John as one of his Deputies in Washington D.C. for 4 years. He was a special friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill and Jan Rinne
Jim Lenau
June 4, 2008
Dell, I was so sorry to hear about John. He recently flew me from SLC to Lake Powell and it was great to re-connect after his years away from the Football field. He was the consumate gentleman and I always admired him and enjoyed working with him. He will be truly missed.
Gene Nora Jessen
June 4, 2008
Dell - I'm envisioning John whirling around heaven in his Cessna giving Jennifer a ride. What fun he's having while waiting for the rest of us.
Love, Gene Nora & Bob
Bruce, Mary and Chris Moore
June 4, 2008
Our condolences to you Dell and your family. I had the privilege of knowing and working with John for many years in Reclamation. Most recently in Washington, DC. He was a mentor and friend to our family. We both consoled each other when we each got cancer and he was always there with some comforting words when our son was fighting in Iraq. There is sorrow in our hearts when we think of him being gone, but solace knowing he was truly doing something he loved when he passed. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
DICK BALL
June 4, 2008
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY,I LOVED JOHN VERY MUCH.
DICK BALL, FELLOW OFFICIAL. SEE YA DOWN
THE ROAD.
DICK BALL
June 4, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. DICK BALL, FELLOW FOOTBALL OFFICIAL.. SEE YA DOWN THE ROAD.
Ren and Ruth Edwards
June 4, 2008
Dell, words can not express how we feel at this time. We are so sorry for your loss, as we have truly enjoyed having John as a friend. I have had some great years officiating with him and he was the best. Loved being able to share the time with him during the games and after by taking him to the airports. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was one special guy.
Rocky Harper
June 4, 2008
Dell - Although I hadn't seen John in almost 45 years, the great memories are as strong as ever. I loved him like the brother he was. Jeanne and I will truly miss him. Love, Rocky Harper
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