Jeffrey Brian Keck

Jeff was born on December 18, 1951 to Jack and Barbara Keck in Seattle, Washington. He passed away on January 28, 2017 at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, Washington. Jeff attended public schools in Kent, Washington at Scenic Hill Elementary, Kent Junior High and Kent Meridian High School. He graduated from the University of Washington and then the University of Texas Law School in 1977. He was an assistant District Attorney in Dallas County from 1978 to 1994, where he rose to Chief of the Appellate Division. Jeff returned to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Among Jeff’s interests were history, the law, spending time with his family, flower gardening, telling jokes and watching sports – GO HAWKS! Jeff enjoyed debating either side of any issue! He also enjoyed bantering with family members on FB. Jeff was well known for his dry sense of humor and wit. Jeff is survived by his wife, Yvonne Keck; his stepdaughter, Meranda, and grandson, Jamie Connor of Lacey, Washington; dear friend, Kip Hawkins of Lacey; son, Chris Keck of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter, Emily Keck, and her husband, Bryan Fritz, and grandchildren, Owen and Olivia of Sycamore, Illinois; and Emily and Chris’s mother, Mary “Molly” McDowell. Also surviving are his sister, Pat, and her husband, John Hardman, along with his nephews, Jackson and Andy, all of Federal Way, Washington. The family is forever grateful to have the chance to say I love you and that he could share it back, as well that Jeff had a chance to speak with his children, his sister and extended families. To quote Yvonne, “Jeff was my prince in shining armor. When times were tough, he said it would all work out and it did; he figured it out. His children were his life. He was completely dedicated to his family. His strength and loving heart supported us all. The strength of his sister, her family, our children, my sisters and family in this past week is the best sign that Jeff will always be here in spirit, helping us each day. This is a wonderful gift that we can all hold on to. I am eternally grateful to all of you. Jeff might be gone now, but he will never be parted from me. He will forever be part of my heart, a song in my step, and the smile on my face.” Yvonne and the family would like to thank Medic One, the staff at Providence St. Peter and RN Mary in ICU. The family suggests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. Please leave memories of Jeff or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.