Ralph Keith Andersen

Keith passed away on May 31, 2018 in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born August 27, 1933 to Ralph and Rhoda Andersen in SLC, Utah and is survived by two younger sisters Cheryl Andersen and Kathy McCall. Keith was married to Mary Jane Casey from 1955 to 1965 and lovingly raised their 4 children-- Michelle Lynn Andersen, Gregory Keith Andersen, Mark Howard Andersen, and Simone Deni Winters. In 1967 Keith married Luree Gillespie and together they had Steven Keith Andersen. Luree’s 3 children from her previous marriage--Bradley Allen Snow, Gregory Joseph Snow, and Sharon Luree Bolerjack also grew up with Keith as their father. Luree passed away in 1990. Keith married his current wife, Terri McHughes, in 1994 and she had Natalie Dawn Goodrow, Marlene Dee Tardiff, and Rollie Thomas McHughes from a previous marriage. Keith is survived by his 11 children, 36 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren with 2 on the way.

Keith was an outstanding athlete of the year at East HS. He went on to earn a degree at the University of Utah, was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and was active in the ROTC, where he made lifelong friendships.

Keith proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1963 as a navigator and rose to the rank of Captain. His service took him and his family to places in the US and Asia.

Like his father, Keith sold doors and hardware outfitting thousands of hotel rooms in Nevada. Keith also built condominiums in Utah and California. His work stands as one of his many legacies.

Keith loved his family and friends. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Keith was called larger than life, a hero, generous, and anything but average. He inspired courage and exemplified hard work. His love for the ocean won him the title of “Grandpa Ocean” and was an avid golfer.

Keith’s children express sincere appreciation to all who helped dad during his last years, including those at Solstice Hospice. A special thanks to Michelle, whose watchful care allowed Dad to stay in his own home, enjoying his last days in Keith Andersen style.

Services including a viewing (9:30 a.m.), funeral (11 a.m.) and interment services will all be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106 on June 8, 2018.