Keith Lynn Christian

CHRISTIAN

Posted By: Tim Christian (email)
Date: 7/12/2023 at 12:10:02

From Keith's family

In Loving Memory of
Keith Lynn Christian
September 15, 1942 – March 24, 2023

With profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Keith Lynn Christian, beloved husband, brother, and friend, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident on March 24, 2023. Keith was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle in Scottsdale, Arizona. His departure has left an indescribable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Born September 15, 1942, in the rural Iowa town of Story City, Keith was the son of Floyd and Florence (Jacobson) Christian. He was baptized and confirmed at Bergen Lutheran Church in Roland. Following graduation from the high school, Keith pursued his dreams by enrolling at Brown Institute of Broadcasting and Electronics in Minneapolis.

Keith's love for broadcasting led him to a career in radio, his first job taking him to a Top 40 station in Topeka, Kansas. He possessed a compelling voice and captivated audiences with his engaging radio personality. After obtaining his First Class Radiotelephone Operator License from the Federal Communications Commission, he was named chief engineer for the station.

During this time, Keith attended Washburn University and the University of Kansas, enrolled in electrical engineering coursework.

While in Kansas, Keith met the love of his life, Elaine Jacobs. They were married on August 12, 1967, and shared nearly 56 years of life together. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

Keith enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He served four years in service to his country, being assigned to the Mediterranean and Pacific fleets and stateside in Memphis and San Diego. Following discharge from the Navy, Keith embarked on a 30-year career as an electrical engineer with the U.S. Civil Service. He was attached to a helicopter squadron at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.

For retirement, the couple moved to Scottsdale. Both dedicated their lives to service as active volunteers. Keith was a regular volunteer at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center and HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center. For over 10 years, Keith volunteered one day a week at each hospital. More recently, he volunteered one day a week at HonorHealth Thompson Peak. Keith was well known at both hospitals for his cheerful personality and willingness to jump in and help wherever needed.

Keith was also the longtime volunteer editor of the Bellasera Community Association newsletter. He also built and maintained the association’s website and served as webmaster. Keith was neighborhood coordinator for the City of Scottsdale street cleanup program. The program involved recruiting citizens and groups to sponsor responsibility to clean and maintain tidiness of city streets.

Keith was a lifelong learner. Leading up to the end of his life, he took online classes to extend and update his computer skills. Beyond his professional and volunteer achievements, Keith was above all a devoted husband to his loving wife, Elaine.

Outside his home, Keith will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and self-discipline. He possessed a genuine curiosity for the world around him, always seeking knowledge and adventure. As a runner, he completed numerous full marathons. While living in San Diego, he competed in 25 consecutive America's Finest City half marathons.

Following his retirement, he became an avid bicyclist and hiker. Keith found solace in the freedom and tranquility that the open road provided. His passion for nature and the outdoors was intense, and he relished every opportunity to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert while hiking or cycling. Tragically, it was while in pursuit of cycling enjoyment and serenity that Keith's life was unexpectedly cut short, leaving a void that will forever be felt by those whose lives he touched.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and inspiration. Though his physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be remembered as a beacon of light and an unwavering source of strength, reminding us to embrace life fully and cherish the moments we have with those we hold dear.

Besides his wife, Keith's brothers, Kenwood and Tim; sisters-in-law, Terri, Carolyn, and Marlene; and a brother-in-law, Greg; survive him. His parents and one brother-in-law, Richard, preceded Keith in death.

In accordance with his wishes, Keith's body was cremated. His ashes will be scattered into the Pacific Ocean on a future date, also as he requested. No services were held.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either McDowell Sonoran Conservancy or Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center in Keith's memory, as he was passionate about supporting their causes.

In this time of profound grief, let us celebrate the incredible life of Keith Lynn Christian, cherishing the memories we shared and finding solace in the knowledge that his spirit will forever guide and protect us. May he rest in eternal peace.

Obituary, Keith Lynn Christian - 1942-2023
 

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