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October 11, 1953 ~ December 20, 2024 (age 71)
George Francis O’Keefe passed away peacefully at his home in West Linn, Oregon on December 20, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Chiron O’Keefe, and his sister, Diane Lopez.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on October 11, 1953, his first significant career was drafting and building ships at Peterson Builders Incorporated, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He was a skilled draftsman designing ships at a time when every line had to be drawn by hand. He then taught himself and successfully incorporated CAD software, introducing his team to what would become the standard for draftsmen.
After shipbuilding, he became a successful and respected marketing manager at 3M, then branched out to sell educational software to colleges and other institutions. He then advanced to become a sales manager, continuing to evolve, with the final phase of his working life becoming a director of sales teams. He was liked and well-respected by everyone he worked with because… well… that’s George, the kind of guy you wanted to know. The man stood out in a crowd and was brilliant, genial, well-read with a variety of interests, and astonishingly adept at everything he did.
Beyond his extensive careers, his greatest passion in life revolved around music. He began playing rhythm and lead guitar in his teens, joining a rock band at the tender age of fifteen. That band successfully played venues throughout the Chicago area for three years, with a large repertoire of then current hits. His love of music expanded and really came to fruition in 1996 when he met his wife, Chiron. As a couple, they spent nearly three decades mastering hundreds of songs. His rhythm sensibilities echoed the smooth sounds of Steve Cropper, a favorite guitarist, along with other musical heroes like Keith Richards and Jeff Beck. His ability to play lead guitar rivaled most modern musicians, with a unique ability to take every note and tell an exquisite story. His collection of vintage guitars and posters of musicians he most admired were both extensive and unique.
In addition to his focus on music, he was involved in other creative and recreational endeavors. He was a talented artist who specialized in water-colors. He also further encouraged Chiron in her writing pursuits, acting as editor and publisher, with an attention to detail and valuable insights that Chiron very much appreciated, as his insights strengthened her published books and other writings.
In 1996, he was drawn to Oregon’s beauty and decided that’s where he wanted to live, with the mountains and the rivers and the trees. One of his favorite activities in the last few years was walking in a local park along the river. He appreciated fine, vintage wine and enjoyed wine tasting and amassing a cellar of his favorites.
George O’Keefe was an exemplary human being, a true gentleman, and will be missed beyond measure by everyone fortunate enough to know and to love him.
George had great love and compassion for animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local no-kill animal shelter.
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of George Francis O'Keefe
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15 replies on “George Francis O’Keefe”
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Riverview Abbey Funeral Home
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Thank you, Chiron for this beautiful tribute to my brother. You & George shared a wonderful, loving life together over the years. You captured his true essence in your writing, as the husband you loved and the brother who was always there for me. It is hard for me to think of not talking with him or seeing him again in this world, a feeling I’m sure you share. Bless you for taking such good care of George. Now take care of yourself. Bill & I are here for you too – just a call away! Love, Diane
I am so glad that you got to spend so many years with the love of your life, Chiron, and that you had so many things in common – including your beliefs and philosophies of life. I know you believe this separation is not a permanent one, and that you can look forward to many more adventures together with this beautiful soul – a soul who passed from this life with grace and dignity, and who will be waiting for you when it’s your time to join him.
Though we only met him once, it was immediately obvious that he was a lovely and gentle-man
Although we never met, I feel as if I knew him through all the beautiful memories Chiron has shared. You were blessed with the love you shared. His loss is immeasurable, but so is the love he left behind.
My deepest sympathies to Chiron and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you swim through this difficult time of adjusting, processing, recalibrating your life. I am deeply saddened for your grief and pray for your strength as well as abilities to endure, climb this arduous mountain and endure
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of George Francis O’Keefe by Dženana. Plant a Tree
Dear Chiron,
I am thinking of you in this difficult times.
With love and hugs,
Dženana
My deepest condolences to my friend Chiron and their family. I knew George through Chiron. I enjoyed all the pictures of them, so much love between these eternally connected souls. I have read and loved Chiron’s books. George was the editor and a great one indeed. Reading her two remarkable books was so easy as George was the editor. I read his obituary. What a fine, gifted and talented man. Chiron and George twin souls that have lived many lives together. More adventures await. We chose to be human in this life. Being human is not only a joy but it can be so painful too. I loved seeing Chiron and George’s pictures and videos from their Saturday Music Nights. So happy Chiron and George shared this life together, many more to come and some may not be in physical lives. I wish George a transition of enlightenment that of course will be manifested. You can send your love to anywhere in the universe. I send my love now to my friend Chiron and to her beloved husband George. These two found each other by no accident. Such joy in their union. Wishing Chiron strength and joy as she still has lots to do here. How joyous their reunion will be. I can correct that as their souls are always together. George was one heck of an editor, musician and draftsman. He left this timeline a better place. Chiron and George bonded together through eternity. Chiron he’s not far away at all. May your dreams be beautiful ones.
What an amazing soul. I learned so much about George from this beautifully written obituary. Chiron thank you for sharing this obituary. I wish I had met you two when you visited Diane and Bill. I have heard stories about George’s wonderful adventures hiking in Colorado.
Please be gentle with yourself and lots of self care (like listen to music, light candles, bubble baths, walking in nature, observing birds, listen to the quiet, watch chick movies, get a pedicure, eat your favorite food item, get a massage, pet and cuddle with animals, turn you electric blanket up to George).
Blessing to you,
Dru Dunham from Colorado.
As a lifelong friend of George’s late mom, Dorothy and sister Diane, I was saddened to hear of his passing. Unfortunately, I only got to meet him but briefly once or twice in his lifetime. I know Diane loved him dearly. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, time and distance she was unable to be with George during his final moments. As a believer in Christ, I’m sure George’s mom was glad to once again see him, when he crossed that great abyss. My condolences to you Chiron and Diane.
Chiron and Diane & Bill
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences at the passing of my cousin George.
Rick and Maria Loeber
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of George Francis O’Keefe. Plant a Tree
Dear Chiron, Diane and Bill – We were so sorry to hear of my cousin George’s passing and send our deepest condolences to you all. We had the pleasure of visiting with him when he was in town for his Mother’s memorial and although our visit was brief we remember him as he is described in this beautiful obituary. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and keeping you and George in our prayers. Diane and Ron Wilder
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of George Francis O’Keefe. Plant a Tree
Chiron, Diane & Bill-Sending our deepest condolences to you all. I am one of George’s cousins and regretfully, we had not connected since we were children. I read his obituary with great interest and was impressed with his accomplishments-what wonderful memories you all have. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Dear Diane,
It was a sad moment when I learned of George’s passing. He had such a wonderful life and I am sad to say that we hadn’t kept in touch in George’s adult life.
I realize that you and he were very close. I imagine you will think of him often and your memories will be many comforting times.
I hope to see you in Chicago. We will keep you in our prayers.
You have our sympathy.
Elaine and Tim Powers and family
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