Andrew Keefer

Andrew M. Keefer

11/30/1961 – 04/12/2016

Our beloved son, brother, and uncle, Andrew M Keefer passed away from a variety of health issues on the 12th of April. Grateful thanks goes out to the Salt Lake Veteran's Hospital for their dedication, compassion, and care of Andrew.  We are also thankful to the members of the Hegessy Ward for their constant, loving support.

Andrew was a sensitive, good-natured boy.  He loved to read and we spent many hours sitting with his sister, Heidi, having fun with books.  His tender nature made this a harsh world for him to live in.

He spent 4 years in the US Air Force—2 of them in Germany.  We are very proud of him for this service.

He excelled in literature and for many years was part of a writing group.  He left us with many poems and short stories.  Those who knew him, always commented on Andrew’s kind nature, friendly attitude, and his wonderful sense of humor.

He loved his Mum and Dad, Grace and Fred; his sisters, Heidi and Wendy; and his brothers, David and Paul. He never married but his niece, Stefani, was like a daughter to him.   His family always rallied around him. We spent hours visiting and keeping jokes going.  He always left us laughing.

At age 38, he learned he had diabetes (type II) and severe coronary heart disease.  He had a quintuple (5) bypass surgery.  His health improved over the next few years but in his early 40’s that started to decline.  Though he remained independent, his body was in a downward spiral.  In his late 40’s, he came home to live with his parents.  Here his family, their spouses, and children surrounded him.

His father, Fred, spent untold hours driving him to doctor’s appointments and dialysis, taking him to the grocery store, and sharing newspaper articles and laughs.  He demonstrated his love for Andrew daily.  A son could not have wished for a better man than his dad.

Heidi spent whatever time she could to spend with Andrew.  She helped with doctor appointments when possible and came to visit often. Saturdays became their social time.  His niece, Stefani, grew up with Andrew as a major person in her life.  He was like a father to her.  It was important to them to spend time together.  The deep bond that Andrew and Heidi shared extended to Stefani as well.

David has a very tender heart and kind spirit.  He loved his brother dearly and often spent time after his evening shift visiting Andrew during the times he was in the hospital.  David’s precious wife, Candy and their 8 beautiful children brought great strength and support to him through this hard time.

Paul and his children live just down the street.  The kids would often pop in to say ‘hello’.  When Paul and Andrew got going with their “puns”, it was never ending.  We would be doubled up with laughter.

Wendy, her husband, Selar, and their children were always there for Andrew.  He and Wendy spent many hours over the years in deep conversation.  He felt a special bond with her.

Stefani and Catherine often used their talents to make things and bring gifts to him on special occasions, which he treasured.

Andrew passed away peacefully alone at home with the angels to assist him.  Still, it was a great shock to us all and though we are saddened by his passing, we feel a great relief for him now.  His spirit is able to soar and be free to carry on learning and enjoying those who loved him before his earth life began.

Preceding him in death are his Uncle Harry, cousin John, and his niece, Heavenleigh.

Left to remember him in our hearts are his parents—Fred and Grace Keefer; his siblings—Heidi Keefer, David (Candy) Keefer, Paul (ex-wife Michelle) Keefer, and Wendy (Selar) Tyler; his nieces and nephews—Kara, Stefani, Chelsey, Richard, Johnathan, Catherine, Celeste, Adam, Christopher, Samuel, Angellina, Benjamin, Zoey, Savannah, Annabelle, and Quinnley; and his great-niece, Alexis.  He also leaves behind many special aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Special love to those family members in England, Scotland, Australia, and throughout the United States for their love and support.  Also to his best friend, Rich Rogers and his family in Italy.

The Veteran’s Hospital in Salt Lake City are the BEST.  Dr. Rose and Dr. Merriman looked after Andrew’s needs with careful consideration and expertise, along with their staff.  Grateful thanks to all involved.

As a mother grieving for her first-born child, I can express our family with one word LOVE.  (Grace)

Funeral services will be held Friday 4/22/16; 12:00 noon at Cannon Mortuary (viewing will be one hour prior to services)

Funeral Recording