1946
2017
Garry Riley Keenan, of The Woodlands, TX passed away at home on November 6, 2017.
Garry was born in Schenectady, NY on January 20, 1946, the second of six children to Robert and Gloria Riley Keenan. He started his high school career at Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady but spent his senior year, and graduated from, Vestal High School in Vestal, NY. This is where he would meet his future wife Marie Donlick, with whom he just celebrated 50 years of marriage. Following graduation from high school Garry went to work at General Electric while studying at the State University of New York. His traditional education was interrupted when he enlisted into the United States Air Force in January 1967, where he served until 1971. Following honorable discharge, he returned to the State University of New York to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, and also returned to General Electric where he would retire from in 2002.
Anyone who knew Garry knew that what he would consider to be his proudest accomplishments would be his marriage and his family, as was evident from his tiny font single spaced "yearly epistle". In addition to his family, Garry had a passion for golf and coaching, never at a loss for encouragement or advice, whether you wanted it or not.
He is survived by an adoring family whom will miss him immensely, but we can all hear his voice in our heads telling us "this is life, you will be fine". Because that's who he was, our pillar.
Garry is survived by his wife Marie, three daughters and their loving spouses, Tricia Keenan (Susan Arango), Jay Isaac (Kerry Isaac), Kim Garza (Derek Garza), and six amazing grandchildren Riley Isaac, Reid Isaac, Zackery Garza, Eryn Garza, Remington Isaac, and Emery Garza.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery.
November 16, 2017
Friend
Sandy Cepica
Marie, my heart aches for you and your beautiful family. Garry will be greatly missed. Hugs to all of you!
Sandy Cepica
November 16, 2017
Bette Osborn
Marie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know he will be in your heart forever.
May God bless you, as you grieve and give you strength and courage, as you enter this new chapter in your life.
Bette Osborn
November 15, 2017
Courtney Ridings
November 15, 2017
Courtney Ridings
Marie,
I am sorry to hear of Garry's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family.
I'm a good listening if you should need one.
November 13, 2017
Payton Davenport
Our family is so so sorry and sad to hear this. Gary was always a treat to see at the golf course during those early WJGA tournaments. He was a cheerleader for all of those kiddos and we certainly had a special place in our hearts from him. Much love from our family to yours. Payton & Dan Davenport (Reid & Jackson)
November 13, 2017
Tricia Bonacker Brownell
Marie, Trish, Jay, Kim and Family
I am so sorry to hear of Garry's passing. He was an amazing man who was very passionate about his wife and daughters. I spent a lot of time at your Keyes Avenue home and it brings back such fond memories. The names he called me I can still hear to this day. He thought he was hysterical, and you know what he was because I never forget it. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I miss you all terrible. Rest peacefully Garry! xoxo
November 12, 2017
Larry and Ellyn Congdon
Marie. Tricia, Jay. Kim. spouses and grandchildren. Ellyn and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of Garry. Our friendship goes back to grammar school and the memories from third grade, through bundling up those babies and getting together for card games, {"don't send a boy"), JC little league. the epistles, and on and on. All wonderful memories of a true friend and a great man.
November 11, 2017
Friend
Megan McGuinness
Mrs. Keenan and Jay! I am so sorry to hear of his passing. What a guy! He certainly lit up a room and the basketball stands. He truly cared about all the friends' of his kids! My father reminded me of some great advice on a basketball sideline: Have fun- it's just basketball! Big hugs to you guys.
November 11, 2017
Megan McGuinness
Mrs. Keenan and Jay! I am so heartbroken to hear of his passing. Mr. Keenan truly lit up a room and the basketball stands. He really cared about all the girls that were friends with his kids! My dad reminded me of one of his comments to me when I was having a tough game: " Just have fun out there...it's only basketball!' Big hugs to you all!
November 9, 2017
Chris Keenan
Marie and the girls, our fondest sympathy on Gary's passing. I have extraordinary memories of the time we spent together in our youth at the house on James St. I am so happy to have been able to spend one day with my cousin watching softball at UT Tyler a few years ago. We were able to catch up on 40 years in one afternoon. He was so proud of all his girls and grandchildren. I have been following Riley and Reid's college careers and will continue to do so. All our best,
Chris, Karen and Bri Keenan
November 8, 2017
Dick Bowers
Marie and Family.
Deepest condolences on Garry's passing from me and my family. My heart was broken when I heard the news. A flood of very happy memories entwinwd with a deep sadness. Regardless of the distance that separated us, I always thought of Garry as my best friend. I am sure I must share that with others. We had so many wonderful times together all the way back to grade school. I will page through the memory catalogue of joy that you and Garry brought into the life of my family. Those memories are so special. Marie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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