Tyler M Keefe

Growing up in Yakima during the ‘50s, cruising the Ave and Friday night high school football was a big deal. Born loving football, Ty played 4 years at Yakima High, earning the nickname 5 Yard Ty and awards. After graduating in ‘54, he exchanged his YHS pirate ship for the U of W Huskies. Pledging the Theta Chi Fraternity, Ty earned his way by being their a.m. cook. By the end of his freshman year only 3 brave brothers out of 82 were left. Wisely realizing he wasn’t a chef, he traded in his apron and graduated in ‘58 with a finance degree.

Ty’s first job was the drive-in teller for the large Pacific National Bank in downtown Seattle. After dropping large bags of the Catholic priest tithing coins 2 Mondays in a row, either by divine intervention or executive decision – the young finance grad was transferred to the Trust Department, where he became a Trust Officer 2 years later.

Oh, did I fail to mention that Ty married the girl who sat in front of him in the 1st grade, Sara Holtzinger. They had 3 wonderful children, Richard, Daniel, and Leslie; 6 perfect grandchildren, Killy, Tyler, Gavin, Dallas, Luke, and Paige; and 1 great-grandchild, Zane.

We may never know how Sara’s brother Charlie talked Ty in to leaving banking and join the family-owned C.M. Holtzinger Fruit Co (rumor is it took 200 beers). So they sold the fancy home on the golf course and moved to the wilds of the Okanagon, with 3 kids, 2 dogs, 1 fat cat, a pony, and a thoroughbred.

After years and a book full of adventures they returned to Yakima where Ty eventually retired as part owner, manager and V.P. of C.M. H. Fruit Co.

Finance remained a top interest for Ty all his life. He never tired of making those numbers work. Many hours were spent reading and discussing his favorite topics, history, business, the market and sports.

As a 50 year Husky ticket holder, Ty loved taking the kids and grandkids to the games. Stopping on the way at the Cle Elum Bakery for donuts was mandatory.

Family meant everything to Ty. He loved his family, his friends and his country, and of course being a Husky.

Ty truly was “one heck of a guy.” The story now ends (7/25/35 - 7/16/2019), but the memories and love continue.

Memorials are suggested to the incredible Cottage in the Meadow, or the charity of your choice.

A private family graveside service was held on July 20th.