Keith Boersma

A funeral Service will be held at 12:00pm, Tuesday January 12, 2010 at Sunset Presbyterian Church, 14986 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, Oregon. Keith Merle Boersma peacefully passed with family at his bedside in Beaverton, Oregon in the early afternoon of January 6th, 2010 after a thirty year journey with Parkinson’s disease.Keith was the son of Marvin and Lena (Van Bemmel) Boersma; he was born on August 11, 1942 in Watertown, South Dakota. He was the oldest of three sons and the family resided in Bemis, South Dakota on their family operated farm.At the age of 14, Keith ran the family farm as his father was no longer able; he too suffered from Parkinson’s disease. As running the farm proved too tough for the 14 year old, he began traveling from farm to farm grinding grain into animal feed to contribute to the family income. Given the families situation, his education was halted after the 8th grade.At the age of 18, he began what ended up being an extraordinary career in Commercial Construction. First, working as a labor on Dams in South Dakota, then moving on to Colorado and Washington Dams working as a Carpenter. In 1968, he went to work for Portland-based Hoffman Construction Company as a carpenter foreman and worked his way up, earning a position as project superintendent. It was there that his talents contributed to the ever-changing skyline of his new home town. Keith’s successful career as Project Superintendent with Hoffman lasted 25 years until his declining health forced him to retire at the age of 49.After he began his construction career, he met and married his wife of 47 years; Maxine Mavis (Raske). Together, Keith and Maxine had two children; Gregory Keith and Gary Merle. Throughout their years together, they enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, bowling and trap shooting as a family. Keith served as President of the Hillsboro Gun Club for a number of years; as well he earned the title of Class AA Trapshooting Champion for the State of Oregon. After making Oregon their home 1968, the couple enjoyed years of lasting friendships and memories. Through the years, they made a great success of themselves.As a Father, Keith was so proud that his two boys followed in his footsteps in making Construction their career choice. Because of what they learned from their father’s talents, both have had very successful careers of their own in the industry. As a Grandfather, he took great pride in his five grandchildren and cherished the moments he shared with them. Keith was warm and gentle with everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. His unique sense of humor and high standards brought people to their best. He will be sorely missed by many. He is survived by his wife Maxine; sons, Greg (Carene) and Gary (Pam); Granddaughters, Ashley, Devrie, Janelle, Kaela and Kailey; Great Granddaughters, Avery; and Brothers, Harry and Mike. His is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Lena. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon; 3975 Mercantile Dr. Ste 154, Lake Oswego, OR 97035; (800) 426-6806; www.parkinsonsresources.orgArrangements under the direction of Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel, Beaverton, OR.