Thomas Patrick Keenan

Thomas P. Keenan passed away at the age of 84, on 10 February 2026. His children were by his side at home when his heart gave way. Tom was fighting a long battle with pneumonia following a hip replacement 3 months prior.

Thomas P. Keenan, son of John A. Keenan and Margaret Paterson, was born November 11, 1941, in Queens, New York. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, NY, before studying Engineering at Manhattan College. Tom worked on submarines after graduation and soon after met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Pforr, and married her on May 28, 1967. He raised a family while working as a mechanical engineer at Kimberly-Clark for 35 years before retiring. During his career, he developed machines with several patents, and traveled occasionally to many faraway places, setting up machines for various paper products. Tom lived on Long Island, then Lake Katonah, before moving west to Appleton, WI, and when his wife was severely handicapped, moved further west to Lake Stevens, WA to be closer to his children.

Tom joins his wife and siblings: Joan Bartscher, John A, Bernadette Rippe, Kevin J, and his parents. He leaves behind his siblings, Florence Stedman, Edward, Richard, and Margaret Bisby, along with three children, Christine Harmon, Thomas, Caralyn, and his grandchild, Jaimie (Lizzie), plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly.

Tom maintained close contact with his brothers, sisters and extended relations, near and far, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. He was a true-hearted brother and uncle. He was a patient and loving husband caring for his wife, who later in life suffered from a stroke. Tom was a devoted father actively involved in his children’s lives, encouraging participation in sports as their coach, in school, by taking an interest in their studies, and providing pragmatic advice or a listening ear throughout their lives. He was a volunteer fireman while they lived in Lake Katonah and was active in the community. Grandad will continue to be an engineering inspiration to Lizzie, both lefties. He enjoyed a good game of chess, especially with his dear friend Joe. Tom is remembered as a tinkerer, always creating machines and mechanical contraptions. He enjoyed working with electronics and embraced the computerized new world and had excellent taste in music of many genres. Later in life, he learned to cook; he measured ingredients like an engineer; each morsel was precisely cut to a prescribed size, and meals were planned with efficiency of preparation and ingredients. He strived to enjoy working, whether it was engineering, yard work, or other pursuits, with the ideal to do what you love. He was fond of growing and cultivating flowers and had success with many varieties. One of his latest engineering projects was crafting a remote-control lawn mower which was more fun than just buying one.

He will be deeply missed by many a family and friends but his special nature will carry on in the hearts of those touched by him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your choice of charity. Tom gave to hospitals, veterans, disabled, and his church, among others.

A committal service will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA, 98203, US. The service is scheduled for February 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.