Donald John Keenan

Donald ‘Don’ John Keenan

We are blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from our dad, Don Keenan, during his 98 years among us.  But his principle mantra and one he lived himself each day was ‘Keep smiling and be happy every day’.

He was united with the Lord September 28, 2018 while living in Walnut Creek, CA.

Donald John Keenan was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois.  He was the oldest child of the late Edward and Margaret [O’Brien] Keenan born February 16, 1920.  He had two younger brothers, Leo and Richard.  Despite the economic hardships of the 1930’s he relished many happy memories, especially his paper route and his mother’s enormous Irish family.  The day after Pearl Harbor Don joined the US Navy.  He was assigned to the USS Arctic which was a supply ship for ships and bases in the South Pacific, stationed out of San Francisco and Hawaii. There in California he met his future wife, Charlotte L Grecian, whom he married Jun 7, 1945.  Their 69 years together moved them from Rockford IL, to Eureka CA, to Petaluma CA, and ultimately Sonoma CA. 

Don worked for Callison Truck Lines in Eureka as an office manager and later for Nielsen Freight Lines in Petaluma.  Upon Charlotte’s teaching retirement in 1984, they moved to Sonoma.  They enjoyed touring the US in their new RV.  Don was dedicated to walking each and every day, rain or shine.  Many a resident of Sonoma will remember his cheerful smiles and happy words as he walked his faithful 3 mile walks through Sonoma and near his residence of Pueblo Serena Park.  For the past thirty months he lived in the communities of Sonoma Hills, Sonoma, and Atria in Walnut Creek.

He was preceded by his adoring wife Charlotte who passed away in June 2014, and his two brothers, Leo Keenan and Richard [Dick] Keenan both from Rockford.

He will be sorely missed by his four children: Ron [Martha], Vashon, WA; Gregg [Lynne], Chapin, SC; Nancy Beliveau [Larry], Lafayette, CA; Mike [Teri], Spokane, WA; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a number of nephews and nieces.

Don and Charlotte’s life together will be celebrated in a family reunion next year. They are both interred in St. Francis Solano Cemetery, Sonoma, CA.  Memorial gifts may be made to St Bernard High School in Eureka, or your favorite charity. 

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