Bob Keeney, eastside business pioneer, passed away peacefully on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 18, 2008, at Evergreen Hospice.

A true Seattle native, Bob was born Jan. 8, 1917, in the Greenlake District of Seattle to Elmer and Metta Keeney. Bob had three siblings, Harold, Lucille and Don, who predeceased him. Bob attended Ravenna Grade School, Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington.

In 1953, he married Jean Ollason Anderson, a high school sweetheart; together they raised five daughters in Bellevue and on Whidbey Island. They enjoyed their life spending time with friends and family. Many great parties were held on the beach at Lagoon Point and Admirals Cove. Horseshoes, barbequing, beer drinking and lots of stories!

Bob was a pioneer in the Bellevue business community. He opened Keeney’s Office Supply in 1947 and was one of the first tenants of Bellevue Square, right next to the Crab Apple restaurant. He commuted from Seattle to Bellevue by ferry before the floating was built.

Bob was a proud second-generation Husky, always flying the purple and gold flag on game days. Bob was also a member of the Roosevelt High School Golden Grads and the Lake City Elks Club.

Bob had many passions and a zest for life. He loved being on the water, fishing, crabbing or clamming with his family or buddies. Many new friends were snagged by Bob during his fishing expeditions! He loved to garden, growing beautiful begonias and lovely flowers with a few vegetables thrown in. Bob was always ready for an adventure and it was always an adventure being with him!

He will be greatly missed by his five daughters, Jill Keeney Cooper (Jon) of Issaquah, Lisa Keeney McCarthy (Brian) of Seattle, Jan Malone (Ron) of Dubuque, Iowa, Marcia Johnson Witter (Max) of Seattle, and Frances Mackey of Tacoma. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Russell, Lindsey, Mathew, Alex, Shannon and Conner, and two great grandchildren, Sage and Aidan.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Jerry Robinson and the wonderful staff at Aegis of Kirkland Totem Lake.

There will be graveside services held Saturday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Reception will follow, 99 W Keystone Ave., Coupeville. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.

Remembrances can be made to People for Puget Sound, 911 Western Avenue Suite 580, Seattle WA 98104.

See you later RCK, we will miss you!