Bert Keefe | Obit

Delbert “Bert” Ryan Keefe

March 4, 1943- March 1, 2026

Delbert “Bert” Ryan Keefe was born March 4, 1943 to Marie and Donald Keefe in San Jose, CA and passed away March 1, 2026. After his father died when Bert was 4 years old, his mother moved the family to Auburn, WA to be near her family. Bert is survived by his wife Becky Sturtz Keefe, nieces, cousins, and various in-laws. He is preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Dennis.

Bert attended Terminal Park Elementary (where his grandma was a cook), Olympic Junior High, and Auburn High School. Growing up you could always find Bert playing sports with the neighborhood boys. He particularly enjoyed football and baseball. After high school he spent 4 years in the Air Force and then moved back to Auburn where he would live the rest of his life.

Most of Bert’s working career was spent selling aluminum and metal to the aerospace industry. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching and playing sports. Bert was on various fast pitch teams in the area and played golf socially. He joined the Elks club where he became a lifelong member and supported the bar side of the club on a regular basis. In addition, Bert was a Trustee and was also in charge of running the annual Elks Golf Tournament. Throughout the year, he would collect change to support the “Elks Therapy Program for Children” and would more often than not be the one who collected the most money.

Bert was an avid Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies football fan. He had season tickets for both teams but eventually gave up his Huskies tickets because, at times, it got to be too much as he would end up spending both weekend days attending both games.

Being a very social person, Bert enjoyed the company of others and there are many fond memories of him putting together family reunions and gatherings.

In recent years, Bert split time between his Auburn home and enjoying the sun at his Arizona home with family and friends. That was his “Happy Place”!

Bert will be missed and will be remembered for his infectious smile, sense of humor, and quick wit. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Bert.