Keith Van Sande

Keith D. Van Sande, 89, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2017 with family by his side. Preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Harriet and his sister, Allene Kalk of St. Paul, MN, our world lost an honorable man but Heaven gained an angel.

Born on August 29, 1927 in Preston, Minnesota to Edward and Jane Van Sande, Keith grew up in a farming community punctuated by rolling green hills, sparkling rivers and limestone bluffs. Neighbors were relatives and tales of sledding, adventures and shenanigans with cousins riddled his stories of childhood. At the age of 18, Keith enlisted in the U.S. Navy and said he felt he’d “won the lottery” when he was stationed for basic training in San Diego. Stationed on the USS Sylvania (AKA44) in the Pacific theater, he received an Honorable Discharge in 1946.

Following the end of WWII, Keith returned to Preston where he was mentored in the construction trade by Vic Wubbels, General Contractor. Keith met and married Harriet Overby, a school teacher, in 1950, building their first home at the age of 22 and where they completed their family with three children: Greg, Paul and Valerie.

Having had his fill of snow, Keith moved his family to Arizona in 1959 and began a career spanning 30-years with Kitchell Contractors, where he worked as a Project Superintendent on many large commercial projects including Good Samaritan Hospital, Doctor’s Hospital and the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Keith was well respected by clients and colleagues alike as a man of skill, knowledge, integrity, reliability and steady demeanor. He received many acknowledgements and accolades for his work, including numerous awards for Project Safety under his watch. Keith retired in 1989 and enjoyed traveling with Harriet to destinations including Norway, Alaska and Mazatlan, Mexico where the family met annually for fun in the sun.

A strong faith in God was a cornerstone in Keith’s life and shaped him as a loving husband, father and loyal church member. Keith remained an active member of Longview Community Church for over 55 years, where he served as Vice President of Consistory and Elder for many years. He had a beautiful, clear tenor singing voice and he narrated the church’s annual Christmas program for decades.

As a master carpenter, Keith enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and crafted beautiful furniture, toys for the grandchildren, intricate vases, cribbage and chessboards. As a husband and father, Keith built a strong foundation for his family based on faith, love, honesty and doing the right thing. As a friend and colleague, Keith provided support and guidance with a cheerful smile, a strong handshake, a sparkling sense of humor and an easy-going spirit often expressed as “what’s not to like about that?!” Keith was a blessing to all he encountered and his was a life well lived.

Keith is survived by his three children: Greg Van Sande (Carolle) of Santa Barbara, CA; Paul Van Sande (Linda) of Phoenix, AZ; and Valerie Van Sande of Santa Barbara, CA. His five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren were an endless source of joy and laughter for 36 years.

Keith’s family would like to acknowledge: staff and friends at The Terraces of Phoenix for kind care and companionship over the past five months; Hospice of the Valley for gentle support in his final weeks; caring neighborhood friends and church family for graciously and generously helping to fill the void left when Harriet passed away on February 20, 1997.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Green Acres Mortuary Chapel of Light on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2 pm, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ. For additional information about the services and to send condolences visit www.GreenAcresMortuary.net. Contributions in memory of Keith may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014, www.hov.org