Gordon Richard Keehn

Gordon didn't just walk through life; he explored his world with a scientist’s mind and a gentle heart. From his formative years spent navigating Canadian Academy, his high school in Kobe, Japan, to the intricate digital programs he developed as a software engineer, he was a man who understood that the best things in life require patience and faith.

He began his journey with a degree at Hartwick College in organic chemistry and a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a foundation that likely explained his lifelong appreciation for how things interact together. However, his true career calling, especially with IBM in RTP, was found in the logic of software engineering. While he spent his workdays solving complex technical problems behind a screen, his heart lived in literature or on long walks. He was an avid reader, but he also looked forward to daily walks, especially on the Wake County greenways. His bestest puppy ever, Nutmeg, was always by his side, and you’d find his wife, Sue, joining many outings.

Gordon took great pride in serving his community and in his church. He earned The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) for 4,000 hours of volunteer service with the Raleigh Police Department and the prestigious Fred Fletcher Volunteer Award (2021), Raleigh, NC, along with commendations for service with the Haverford Township Townwatch (Havertown, Pa).

Gordon served as a Stephen Minister at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 20 years. Also, he served on many Via de Christo teams.

Gordon was a devoted husband to Sue Keehn (Rosenkranz), his wife of 56 years, and a father who provided his two children, Scott Keehn (Johanna) and Kim Keehn (Diego Castañares) with a steady, reliable North Star. He cherished his two grandchildren, Obsidian Walangitan and Julianna Keehn; and he will be deeply missed by his three brothers, Alan Keehn, Carl Keehn, and Mark Keehn (Rachel); a cousin, Liz Osborne (Paul), and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Evelyn (Hesse) Keehn, and a sister, Joy Keehn.

Gordon leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, assisting in the writing of four IBM Redbooks along with a few million lines of code, and a many-well-worn pair of walking shoes that can never truly be filled.

Our family expresses special thanks to the staff of Springmoor’s Stewart Health Center and Transitions LifeCare for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held in-person and live-streamed on Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in North Raleigh, NC 27613. A reception will follow the service at the church

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615, or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St, Raleigh, NC. Online condolences may be made at www.brownwynneraleigh.com