Andrew Keene

POLSON — Andrew Keene, 62, of Polson died of natural causes April 12 at home. Andrew was born Feb. 7, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo. He and his mother moved to Oak Grove, Ore. in 1948 where he made his first lasting friendships.

Andrew entered the Air Force in 1960. While in the service he served in Iceland, Moses Lake, Wash., Okinawa and Viet Nam. He served as an Air Policeman and received an honorable discharge in 1965.

Andrew married Ophie Crull on March 19, 1966, and began attending Portland State University the following year. He graduated with a BA degree and an International Certificate. Both of his children, Marissa and Ari Ben, were born while he was in college.

Andrew worked for McKennan Tool while attending university and bought a hardware store not long after graduation. Many friends came to know him first as customers. He always said he was not in sales — he was in service. Nothing pleased him more than helping others solve problems.

While living in Oregon, Andrew was an active member of Kiwanis and the Elks Lodge. He maintained his membership in the Elks after moving to Polson even though his schedule seldom permitted him to take part in activities there.

Andrew and Ophie moved to Polson in 1994 and he began working for Cenex in Ronan. He remained in his position there until September 2004 when he was no longer strong enough. Andrew's mother joined the family in Polson in 1995 and Marissa came home in 1999. To have the family together again meant a lot to him. His family was always most important in his life.

The desire to move to Montana was Andrew's. He loved mountains and wanted to live near them. They gave him a sense of his place in the world and just watching the play of light on them filled him with wonder and a sense of peace.

The people he met and came to know in the Mission Valley were very special to him. His good humor and willingness to help others gained him many friends. There was never enough time for Andrew to learn all he wished to know. He willingly shared his time, humor and caring with any who wanted or needed them.

The friendships he made in Oregon and Montana were strong and enduring. They made his joys greater and sustained him in times of difficulty. He will be missed by many.

Andrew is survived by his wife Ophie and his daughter Marissa. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 22, at 4 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory with the Rev. Russ Barber officiating. Military honors will follow the services. Cremation has taken place. Memorial gifts to the Elks scholarship fund would be appreciated.