R. Keith Van Roosendaal

Van Roosendaal, returned to Heaven on the evening of June 25, 2020 with all of us by his side. Keith was born September 7, 1948 to Meralyn and Robert Van Roosendaal, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; mother, Meralyn; sister, Natalie; brother, Kent; five children and seven grandchildren.

He was an amazing athlete and played football and baseball at Olympus High School. In his early years he was a legendary skier and enjoyed playing golf throughout his life. He loved playing church basketball and any sport with his family.

He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest British mission from 1968-1970. He recently returned to Great Britain to tour his mission with his son and daughter-in-law. It was also a highlight to visit the city of Roosendaal in the Netherlands.

Keith married Elizabeth Ashley in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on May 22, 1974. The Sunday morning show, “Music and the Spoken Word” filmed them on the Temple grounds on their wedding day. The video accompanied a song a few weeks later on the broadcast.

He graduated in 1975 from the University of Utah with two Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Management. He later earned a Master’s degree in Military Science while raising five children.

He was a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve where he served in many capacities, including Commander of the 395th Finance Battalion and Deputy Chief of Staff for the 96th Regional Readiness Command. During his service he was awarded one of the military’s most prestigious awards, the Legion of Merit. Throughout his life he was a marvelous example of patriotism. His civilian career was as an executive at PacifiCorp. He was an accomplished business and civic leader and served as President of the Rotary International’s Midvale Chapter.

In recent years, he enjoyed serving as National President of the Sons of Utah Pioneers organization and treasured the many friendships he built during his service. Keith and Elizabeth served together as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They also served as missionaries at the Church’s Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

Keith was always ready for an adventure with his family and friends. He loved to hike, spend time in the mountains, and explore new places and historical sites. He loved learning and always had a book in his hand. His family was his greatest joy and he is our ultimate hero.

He has a magnificent testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and cherished his Priesthood responsibilities. How grateful we are for his remarkable example, his life of service, his love, and all of the dearest memories we will cherish forever. Many sweet and sacred moments during these last few weeks, as it became apparent that his time was near, will be treasured.

Keith has the kindest heart, the best laugh, and the most humble spirit.

He always had a kind word and a smile. To know him was to love him. He is an exemplary and noble father and grandfather. We all adore him. We could always count on him for everything. He made sure he was always there for every special occasion, music recital, sporting event, performance and every move near and far. Every event warranted a stop for ice cream sundaes. He was everyone’s best cheerleader. He loved to be outdoors and to garden, to make the yard a beautiful place for his family to gather on their gazebo. He always made us feel so loved.

Colonel Van Roosendaal, we salute you and honor you with our whole hearts. We were not ready to say goodbye. We are blessed to belong to him and so grateful that he is ours for eternity.