W. Richard "Dick" Keller

Dick Keller passed away peacefully on July 8, 2020 in the arms of his four loving daughters and wife of 59 years. Born on April 27, 1941, he met his best friend and soulmate of 65 years, Becky Keller, in Junior High.

Dick was born a natural leader. In high school, he was captain of both the football and basketball teams his junior and senior year. As a senior, he was recognized as the outstanding basketball player in the state of Kansas and was recruited by Fog Allen to play basketball for the University of Kansas. Dick’s senior year in high school, he served student body president.

With both basketball and education on his mind, he cherished his time at the University. Throughout his life, he held his love for Kansas basketball close to his heart and could always be found in his K.U. hat, shirt and shorts.

Dick married Becky after his sophomore year. He continued to show leadership in education, graduating no. 1 in his K.U. class, and was offered a full scholarship to Michigan Law School. During law school, he was an editor of the Michigan Law Review, worked hard, and graduated no. 1 in his class. He went on to be a professor at the Law School.

Dick and Becky then moved to Los Angeles, where he joined the law firm, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker. He became partner in three years and later went on to become Managing Partner. Dick watched his firm grow from 11 members to become one of the largest in the country with offices around the world. He was known for his integrity, compassion and leadership ability.

Dick and Becky have always loved to travel. They have camped in or visited every state and a number of countries in four of the five continents.

In 1974, Dick’s life changed. His first daughter of four was born. Although he continued practicing law, which he loved, being a father stole his heart. As his kids grew up, several were on the U.S. Development Ski Team and his eldest went to college on a volleyball scholarship. Dick longed to spend more time with them and retired from his law firm in 1991 in order to do so. He went on to partner with longtime friend, Jim Ludwig, and together they invested in and developed real estate in Ventura County. Dick and Becky have been active in the Malibu Pacific Church since 1975. His faith has always been incredibly important to him. In addition to his leadership skills, Dick is best known for his love and generosity toward others.

In the last 15 years, his grandchildren have been the absolute joy of his life. Dick watched them toddle, walk, run, play, love, give, and thrive. Becky believes that one of Dick’s last goals was to meet his youngest and final grandchild, born in May—a baby boy who bears his name, Richard.

Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Becky Johnson Keller, daughters Kristin Stent, Jennifer Pettit, Kari Owens, Alison Muraszewski, eleven beautiful grandchildren and sister, Carol Flannagan.

There will be a celebration of life when Malibu Pacific Church is safely reopened.