Memorial next Monday for Anthony C. ‘Tony’ O’Keefe, 1969-2015

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Family and friends will gather on Monday (December 7th) to remember Anthony C. “Tony” O’Keefe. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing:

Smiling, laughing, and with twinkling Irish eyes … that is how Tony came into this world on September 8, 1969. He and wife Linda shared 13 years of marriage, and their love shows through their daughter Lauren and son Conner. They were his love and joy and he was incredibly proud of them. Lauren and Conner’s love of life, huge hearts, and shining souls resonate with Tony’s warmth and perpetual desire to share the very best of himself with the ones he most dearly loved.

Tony’s constant search for fun in life took him from learning to roller skate for a pack of LifeSavers, to riding BMX bikes, to competing in wrestling and football, to bringing friends together to celebrate just being in each other’s company.

Tony graduated from Bellarmine High and WSU with a degree in Marketing, and while at college found another family. His brothers at Beta Theta Pi lifted him up and joined in his celebration of life. Through the years they have always been there for him.

His Irish gift of gab, his smarts, and quick wit saw him excel in medical sales after starting Orthocon, Inc. He connected with and was supported by many professionals from the medical community during that time.

Linda, Lauren, and Conner continue to honor his zest for life by bringing laughter and cheer to family and friends. Brother John and sisters Helen, Kathy, and Bebo continue to celebrate life in his name as he joins his parents Tony, Sr. and Kathleen in a warm, heavenly embrace.

Tony took great pride and joy in his Irish heritage. His twinkling eyes and deep belly laugh were the trademark of our Irish leprechaun. So today go forward in honor of Tony, raise a little mischief, and carpe diem!

Tony was passionate about his children’s education, and an Educational Fund for them has been set up at youcaring.com/lauren-conner-o-keefe-478592.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 7, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7000 35th Ave SW. Reception immediately following on site at the Parish Life Center.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

watertowerjoey December 3, 2015 (9:48 am)

You will be missed by many Tony. God bless his family and may they cherish the memories they were lucky enough to have. I know I have more than a few!

-Kai-

Guy Olson December 3, 2015 (9:53 am)

R.I.P. buddy!

Ronny December 3, 2015 (11:08 am)

I have been thinking of Tony nonstop sense I heard of his passing.

I appreciated Tony’s support and friendship these past 9 years. Tony was full of life, love, and the kind of warmth that would immediately fill any room.

Tony had the gift of creating connection to just about anyone he came in contact with. If my heart was heavy, Tony was there to empathize and in a few minutes he and I would be laughing together – and solving most of the world’s problems at the same time!

My words can’t capture how much you will be missed.

Fellow Irishman. Fellow Cougar fan. Fellow father. Great friend.

Tony, thank you for touching my life.

Jason December 3, 2015 (3:04 pm)

I have been thinking about Tony, Linda, Connor and Lauren daily since I heard this horrible news. I am still in shock and though I didn’t know him all that well, we really connected and one day bonded and I thought he was just an awesome person and someone I knew I would be friends with forever. I got the sense that to KNow him was to love him and I am sure I am right about that. I am deeply saddened for him and his family.

Bill Schrouder December 3, 2015 (4:33 pm)

Tony and I worked at several of the hospitals in western Washington together, although we were competitors in the medical device field, Tony was the real deal.
I enjoyed his company, very sad news…..
Bill Schrouder

Paula Swanson December 3, 2015 (7:54 pm)

I have worked with Tony many years. He was an amazing man, always had a smile on his face, and he always stopped by my office when he visited the OR at Tacoma General Hospital. I will miss him and his contagious personality. Rest in peace, my friend.

Murph McCullough December 3, 2015 (8:42 pm)

Tony and I went to Bellarmine Prep together, though I graduated a year later (1988)…we were on the wrestling team together..I didn’t know he lived in West Seattle as well…sad to hear he passed…thoughts and prayers to him and his family.

-Murph McCullough

Neighbor Kevin December 3, 2015 (11:11 pm)

I didn’t know he had passed; so sad. He was a great neighbor.

WSMom December 4, 2015 (8:52 am)

Tony was a bright light gone too soon. Tony’s love of life and laughter will shine each day through Lauren and Conner so he stays with us here. I am so thankful that he touched my life and this earth.

Angela O'Keefe December 4, 2015 (11:16 am)

Unfortunately as Tony’s Irish first cousin we did not get to know each other too well, but I have great memories of his visits here when we were all much younger. I am so sad to hear that Tony has passed away. My sincere condolences to his wife and children. We will all be thinking of you on Monday

Leslie Wheatley December 7, 2015 (8:25 pm)

My thoughts and prayers for Linda, the children and the entire clan. I was saddened by the news of Tony’s passing and felt honored to be with Linda and Tony on their wedding day and Tony’s 40th birthday. Wishing the entire family comfort and healing during this difficult time.