Michael “Mike” Vaughn Keenan passed on to eternal glory, to be among the stars and in the hands of his Maker, after a 107-day battle with stage IV brain cancer.

Our Dad, Mike, was a doting and unparalleled Father. He was a devoted Son and Brother, a whole-hearted and genuine friend, an incredible builder, designer and artist, a music aficionado, and above all-the most genuinely loving, spontaneous, and carefree spirit.

Born on December 29th, 1960, in Lincoln, Nebraska, our dad was the eldest brother to his two baby sisters, Kari and Nancy. His adolescent days were spent being the epitome of a young man, playing and excelling at every sport he tried-track, football, pole-vaulting, and shot-put being his favorites. He enjoyed woodworking, camping trips, hunting, hiking, and being submerged in the outdoors with his father, Bruce, who was his idol. He remembered his mother, Rowena, not missing a single football game or sports practice, and always keeping him dressed sharply. His first job was at Woodward Governor- the place he learned to love to garden and care for plants, a hobby and staple that stayed with him through every phase of his life. As a pre-teen, he became enthralled with music of all kinds ranging from Orchestras to Rock N’ Roll, which also remained an anchor across all chapters of his life. Our Dad was a walking jukebox.

Memories with his little sisters were and are still to be envied. They attended many of what he considered his “dream-concerts” and together, they were three-of-a-kind. He spoke fondly of every person in his family, from his great­grandmothers and fathers to his cousins and friends that became family. To our dad, love was in everybody.

In his early twenties, our dad made the bold decision to travel to Alaska to raise a family in a quiet place surrounded by nature. As an outdoor enthusiast, animal lover, snow bunny, and mountain man, he fell in love. He met exceptional people along the way and reminisced daily on his early-life adventures with those he’d made such special memories with.

In Homer, Alaska, our dad’s life changed when he met our mom, Holly Maryott and her son, our older brother, Taylor Bogie. He loved Taylor as his own and helped raise him with the same loyalty, humor, and big-hearted care he showed everyone. Before long, they welcomed our sister Jessica into the world, making him a father in name as well as in heart. Almost six years later, he became a dad again when I was born, ALMOST completing the little family he had dreamed of building in Alaska. Surrounded by our mom Holly, us kids, and a tight-knit circle of friends who became family- Homer truly became his home. My sister Jess and my childhood memories consist of nonstop laughter, working on projects in his shop, LOUD music, and being outside in the crisp Alaskan air where he’d always intended us to be. Later in life, we were all blessed with his youngest son, Landen, whom he loved dearly and was so proud of from day one.

Of all the stunts he’d landed successfully, unknown paths he courageously crossed, one of the bravest things our dad ever did was getting sober. On July 27, 2009, he chose to change his life, and he never stopped choosing it, one day at a time. That date is a line in the sand for our family. The man we got to have as our dad in those sober years was present, thoughtful, and so much more himself. He showed us what accountability looks like, what making amends looks like, and what it means to keep showing up even when it’s hard. We are so proud to be the kids of our Dad, Mike.

Our Dad knew how to HAVE FUN. He loved building and flying RC planes with his friends, watching them rip across the sky like oversized kids’ toys, and he could talk for ages about engines, wings, weather, and WOOD. He loved listening to music and making videos with his buddies, laughing at their own jokes and sharing songs that meant something to each other. He loved skiing and winter, happy to be out in the cold while the rest of us shivered and complained, and he always had a story ready about some old run, some big wipeout, or some perfect day on the snow.

More than anything, our dad was hilarious. He had a sharp, quick sense of humor and a deep, warm laugh that came from his whole chest. He remembered details about people and would circle back with little jokes and one-liners that made you feel seen. Even in the hardest days of his illness, he was constantly still finding something to make us all laugh about.

In these last months, as he faced brain cancer, Dad showed us a different kind of strength. It wasn’t about lifting heavy things or working through pain on a jobsite. It was quieter and deeper – letting us help him, trusting us with his care, and choosing love and connection even when everything was scary and uncertain. We will never forget those days and nights together, the softness in his voice, and the way he still tried to protect our hearts with a joke and a smile.

Michael (our Dad) is survived by his youngest son, Landen Burnett of North Carolina; myself, Rheann Keenan of Alaska; his eldest daughter, Jessica Keenan of Illinois; his eldest (bonus) son, Taylor Bogie of Alaska; and his bonus daughter, Miranda Dour of Alaska; his parents, Bruce and Rowena Keenan of California; his sisters, Kari and Nancy of Michigan and California; his bonus-grandkids, Kaiden Bogie and Ryan Bogie of Arizona and Alaska; his nieces, Katie Chirhart and Sandy Chirhart; his nephew, Phil Chirhart and his wife Chloe, their son, Cylus; our mom, his life-long friend, Holly Maryott; his cousins; and so many friends who loved him dearly; as well as 3 dogs, 6 rabbits and a betta fish. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and many lifelong comrades that he’s rejoicing with now.

A small celebration of our dad’s life will be held on Monday, December 1st (2025) from 2-5 PM at The Downeast Saloon where our Dad spent many years making memories. (Proceeding will be a larger Solstice event in 2026, so that family/friends from out of state can make it.) Friends and family are invited to come share stories and photos, tears, and laughter as we remember the man who taught us to work hard and play harder, to always find something to laugh about, and to love our people as fiercely as he loved us.

More than anything, we want people to remember him the way we do: a stubborn, enormous-hearted, hilarious, courageous and hardworking man who loved his kids more than life itself, loved nature, and always kept going even when life knocked him down. We love you, Dad. Thank you for everything. We’re a team for eternity.