Leo Urban Keppinger Sr.

Leo passed away peacefully on March 23, 2022 at his Bridlemile, SW Portland home, surrounded by his wife, and children. He was 93 years old. He died six days short of his 94th birthday. Leo was loved by all who met him. His gregarious personality, genial sense of humor, inquisitive curiosity and love of family endeared him to everybody.

Leo was born and raised in Northwest Portland to Urban Anthony and Irene Rose Keppinger on March 29, 1928. He joined a sister, Cordelia Marie. His childhood playgrounds were at the old SlabTown neighborhood, Vaughn Street Grounds, Marshall St. Ice Arena and the nearby downtown area. He played baseball for many years with classmates and friends in Slab Town. He parked cars for people attending games at Vaughn Street. He sold snacks at his dad's “In and Out” Store and delivered newspapers all over the area. He referred to these places as his idyllic childhood stumptown with the many lifelong friends he made there. He played many sports but Baseball gave him the most excitement in his life! He graduated from St. Patrick's Elementary '41, Central Catholic High School '45, and the University of Portland '51.

He attended freshman year at Columbia Prep. Then he transferred to Central Catholic, where he was a member of the Rams Baseball team and the Monogram Club. He excelled in academics and lettered in Baseball for 3 consecutive years. He was an Oregon All Star in what became the annual Oregon All-American Boys contest. He was voted outstanding offensive player of the contest. Leo was chosen as an alternate to compete at the National All American Boys Game in New York in 1945. Quite an honor for a young man!

Leo went to the University of Portland and was a member of the Pilots Baseball team. In his second year, he took a break to serve in the US Army and was stationed in Zama, Japan. A few months before reporting for duty, the war just ended. The world was a little peaceful and serving in the military was less worrisome. He was classified an Athlete, played baseball with his Army team and went against colleagues in the All Japan League. An icing on the cake, he said, because while serving in the military he was playing the sport he loved, and was able to see many places in Japan.

After his service in 1948, with his GI bill, he went back to UP to finish school. He rejoined the Pilots Baseball team. At 21, still in college, he married Joyce Nelson. They had 5 children: Mark, John, Jim, Tom and Kathleen. They divorced.

Leo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting in 1951. He worked as an accountant for various companies for many years. His last employment was at E.V. Prentice Company as Chief Accountant-Controller. In the 1980s, he put accounting aside and shifted to real estate and property management with his wife, Angie.

On April 7, 1976, he married Angelina “Angie” Lachica Keppinger, his beloved and cherished wife of 47 years. A destiny, a life meant to be, deep in love and blessed with a lifetime of wondrous years together, with their three children: Kristine, Leo Jr. and Patrick.

Always active, Leo played sports and games with his kids. He coached his sons baseball teams at Wallace Park and Sunset Park Leagues. He coached them in sportsmanship, how to win and lose gracefully in the field, as well as in life. He introduced them to tennis, skiing, swimming, hockey, football, softball, soccer, fishing, camping and many activities that kept them busy. His kids enjoyed his playfulness and just being with Dad in their growing years.

He loved gardening and landscaping. There was never a plant or tree that he didnt know its botanical name. Travel and going places were a yearly Spring Break activity. He loved the sun and sea in Puerto Vallarta where he and Angie wintered away for many years. The family traveled to many places locally and abroad. Their last 3 weeks trip together to Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest was “two for the road”!

Fondest memories were of time spent on vacations in places nearby, and of simple everyday life, with his joy, humor and wit, strength, ability to persevere and his loving nature towards everybody. He was a kind, honest, thoughtful, generous, hardworking, patient, humble, good natured and decent man who didnt know a stranger. His best talent of all, was remaining a loving husband, father and a friend's friend.

Although his own dad died when he was 13 years old, Leo's determination, faith and Christian values sustained him. No time for self pity! He coped and worked hard to achieve his potential. The outdoors, playing baseball with friends and classmates were his solace. His close family, good schools, sports, the Army, and many good people were his guides and teachers in life! He was a lifelong Catholic. Leo attended church at St. Patrick's, The Cathedral, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Andre Bessette and was a member of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher Parishes. He enjoyed many friends in the Filipino-American community.

Leo was lovingly cared for at home by his wife and son, Patrick. There were good days and bad days but nonetheless we enjoyed his love and company each day!

He leaves behind the love of his life and loving wife, Angie. His 8 beloved children: Mark (Jean), John, Jim, Tom (Candy) and Kathleen, Kristine (Chris) McGeHee, Leo (Denise), and Patrick; 15 beautiful grandchildren who called him Lolo and Grandpa: Hayden, Izzy, William. Brandon, Ellie, Mateo, Laurelai, Jaime, Ryan, Anne, Rose, Sarah, Justin, Griffin and Riley; 4 great-grandchildren, extended family, many brothers/sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will forever miss his happy smile and his quiet, friendly demeanor. He will be greatly missed!

Go with God Leo, and play in the ball fields of heaven!

Until we meet again, May God bless you and hold you in the palm of his hands.

Rest in Peace!