Kurtis Lynn Keele

He was born September 11, 1952 to Lillian Marie Holmes and Virgil Dale Keele. He was the 2nd son of nine children. He was preceded in death by both parents and siblings: Mary Elizabeth, Jody Ann Keele Renfrow, and Deloy M Keele. He is survived by brothers Virgil Dale, Fred Samuel, Larry Dean, Vernon H. Keele, sister, Nadine Faith Keele Johnstun, his husband, Melvin Ramirez and adopted grandson Andre Altnether.

He spent many years as a nurse after graduating from the College of Eastern Utah. His favorite job was working in Nursing Homes where he eventually became an administrator.

About 30 years ago he started working in the Community garden and was of course put in charge. He excelled in his progress of the garden and took over a second lot and added an orchard. He got the community involved, and also got Lorelai, who lives next to the orchard, to put up a fence and house goats for the neighborhood to enjoy. He started with 3 goats and added 2 more. There are only 2 remaining. Every Saturday morning the community would walk the goats and anyone could walk. In Kurtis' honor the goat walks will continue, starting at 9:30am. Now you know how he got the nicknames Garden Man and Goat Man.

Kurtis brought the community together like no one before him had. Many people stay in the neighborhood because of the camaraderie that abounds in this neighborhood. He also started shovelling the sidewalks on his block and the one behind him many years ago because there were so many older residents. He continued to do it even though many younger people had moved in. He said that it was a good way to meet new neighbors.

He was an inspiration to all and will continue to be so for many years to come.

A memorial was held on December 7 starting with a goat walk and ending in the community garden he so loved. It was a spectacular day filled with family and friends (which means family because his friends were his family.) He spend his last day helping family in the neighborhood and working in the garden mulching.

Memorial Donations can be made for the Memorial Garden Arch and Bench to:

Nadine Johnstun

27 Lowell Blvd

Denver, CO 80219

or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

Condolences may be offered at crownhillfuneral.com

Love, Charity & Kindness.