Donald “Earl” Keyes was the most decent man you could ever meet. He never judged any man by their wealth, social status or race. He treated everybody with a sense of dignity they deserved.
He left us October 25, 2022 in Virginia to be with his wife, family and friends in heaven.
Earl was born in 1929 no doubt with a pair of skates on his feet and a hockey stick in his hand. He was the definition of a “hockey puck”. Earl played high school hockey in Windsor, Ontario before enrolling at the University of Michigan in 1950 where he played 1950,1951,1952. He was elected captain in 1952. He was an All American in 1952 and on NCAA championship teams 1951 & 1952.
He went to Michigan to play hockey but he scored the goal of his career when he met the love of his life Patsy Mcintosh. They raised a family Tim, Cindy and Robin. They loved to golf and to travel together. They were best friends. In the end when Patsy was not well he cared for her and showed us all what true love and devotion is before her passing.
His sense of humor was second to none. His laugh was infectious and he loved a good story. He loved to give you “the business” and he loved when you gave it back to him. When it came to his competitive nature, he was second to none. He loved to win, and he loved to let you know when he did. If you were good enough to beat him, you know he didn’t let you win you earned it.
If Earl Keyes was your friend, you had a friend you had a friend for life. He still kept in contact with a high school friend and many college buddies. Earl and Patsy lived in Canada, Iowa, and Michigan before settling in Arizona. In their traveling schedules Patsy and he had friends in most states and provinces they would make sure to stop in and see.
He leaves behind his children Tim Keyes and his wife Jodi of Rhode Island, Cindy and her husband Rick Marsden of Ohio, Robin and her husband Ralph Blevins of Virginia. He always was proud and had great love for his grandchildren Josh Keyes of Rhode Island and Kayla Blevins of Virginia. He has many cousins in Canada and friends in Arizona and across the country as well that will have great memories of him.
We will miss you, Trapper. R.I.P. We hope you are enjoying a round of golf with Patsy and then a drink with all your friends and family up there!
Earl will be taken back to Arizona to be with his soulmate Patsy.
Earl was a very charitable man. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to St Jude’s Hospital.