Major Robert Keith Kinnebrew, USAF Retired, born Feb. 5, 1930, died unexpectedly on Feb. 17, 2006 while visiting family in Orange, Calif. Known to most as Keith, to some as Bob, his life touched many people around the world during his nine years as a Franciscan seminarian, his 20-year career as an Air Force officer, his work with the Agency for International Development, his second career in vocational education, as well as his many volunteer activities which included work with orphanages in Vietnam, the Peace Corps in Belize, the Sea Scouts and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on Whidbey Island.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Rose; ten children: Blaine, Ben, Ann, Quin, Dan, John, Ellen, Nick, Lynn and Neil and their families; Carsten Cebulla, an exchange student of theirs who was like their eleventh child; 10 grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law Joe and Diana Kinnebrew and his sister-in-law Helen Kinnebrew.

Keith and Rose moved from College Station, Texas, where he received his PhD at Texas A&M University, to Oak Harbor in 1994, where weather and nature were his love. Keith was so vibrant and so full of life, always wanting to help any of his 10 children and families with projects and also to just simply be with them. He was always ready with an “I love you” at the end of a phone call or saying good-bye after being together. He was a seeker of knowledge, a lover of the outdoors and nature in general, a sailor, a hiker, and a man just full of life.

We know that Keith lived a life that he loved. He and Rose traveled a lot and were extremely active. They used to be regular square dancers, they belonged to a hiking club, rode their bikes around Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, and just returned recently from a trip to Europe. Keith even completed a 200 mile bike ride event from Seattle to Portland two years ago. We’re imagining Keith felt very fulfilled with his life, as his attitude was always positive and one of gratitude. All who knew him are so sad of his untimely passing. We have lost a wonderful, special man. May his spirit be free and at peace!

There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Keith’s life on Saturday, Feb. 25, at noon at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club on Whidbey Island.