Dearly loved husband and father Dennis V. Keys, 83, died March 25, 2024, from complications of vascular dementia.
Dennis was born Feb. 3, 1941, in Los Animas, Colo., to Ruble and Ella Keys. He was one of seven children. The family moved to Central Point when he was a teenager, and he attended Crater High School.
Dennis's first marriage ended in divorce but gave him his son, Jim.
On June 14, 1968, he married Marjorie Judd, who survives him. He and Margie raised Jim from the age of eight. They added daughters Tara and Tiffany to the family and lived in the same house in Medford for the next half-century.
Dennis operated the hot press at Boise Cascade in Medford for 32 years. In the summer, he would often come home tired and sweaty, and would shake the sawdust out of his hair on the patio before sitting down with a cold Pepsi or beer.
Dennis had a talent for gardening and home improvements. Over the years, he installed an above-ground pool and built the surrounding deck, and helped build a house with his older brother, Ted. He also enjoyed working on cars, and his skills kept multiple secondhand vehicles on the road.
He was a friendly neighbor who would do anything for others.
Dennis loved to camp with the immediate family and with Margie's extended family. They traveled many places in the western United States. They also visited the East Coast and took a cruise up the Rhine River.
After retirement, Dennis and Margie bought property in Quartzsite, Ariz., and spent winters there until 2020.
In addition to his wife, Dennis is survived by his children, Jim Keys (Lucy), Tara Keys, and Tiffany Keys; brothers, Ted and Doyle; granddaughters Crista Frederickson (Andon), and Jasmine Keys; three great-grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters: Vonda, Thelma, Ramona, and Rosie.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at Memory Gardens in Medford. A reception will follow at Tara's home.
Dennis's family would like to thank Roxy Ann Memory Community and Asante Hospice for their care at the end of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Asante Hospice, Jackson County Animal Services or Southern Oregon Humane Society.