Keith Edwin Gawith, Jr.

Keith Gawith, Jr. went to be with his Lord on March 17, 2024 at age 88 in Vancouver, Washington.  Born September 6, 1935 to Keith and Harriett (Swain) Gawith in Seattle Washington.

Raised in Buckley Washington; and at the age of fourteen he left home to work and live at Joe Alberts Dairy until he graduated from White River High School in 1955.   Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force serving as a security police officer at Manzano Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM.  He earned the rank of Airman E4 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for service.

He met the love of his life, Ruth Davis, in Albuquerque and they were married on September 28, 1957 at First Church of the Nazarene.  Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his dear “Ruthie” passed.  He loved and cared for his family.

After leaving the Air Force, he worked at Jill’s Bakery until he found a job at Sandia National Laboratories.  While there, he was accepted into their machinist apprenticeship program. Because he was the oldest in his class, he was given the nickname “Pappy,” which he kept until he retired from Sandia Labs in 1998 as one top Master Machinist.  Keith was a hard worker who enjoyed working with his hands as a means of providing for his family.

    Keith was dedicated to his church and community..  He faithfully attended and served Los Altos Church of the Nararene from the time that doors opened, until his retirement years and then Heights First Church of the Nazarene.  He served as a scout leader for seven years with troop 285.  In his later years, Keith was a member of the Young at Heart Choir where “You are never too old to sing for the LORD!”  Once he moved to Vancouver, he attended Evergreen Bible Church. 

He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, hiking, bicycling, traveling, singing, and food.  He and his wife traveled to all fifty states; and his last road trip was after passing with his sons. They journeyed from his childhood home stopping at special places meeting loved ones along the way. Arriving back to his beloved home in Albuquerque at sunset.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Keith Sr. and Harriett (Swain); his wife Ruth (Davis); his brother Carl; and his sister Geraldine. He is survived by his daughter Kathy; his sons Keith III and wife Patricia, Paul and wife Renata, and Marlin and wife Michelle; eight grandchildren: Brianna, Wendy, Paul C., Timothy, Maegan, Nathan, Sarah, and Andrew; one great grandchild Haden; two sisters Mabel Brown and Margie Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held April 5th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.  Interment will be April 6th at 10 am at Gate of Heaven, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.  This will be followed by a celebration of life service at 11 am at French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Keith in a special way may make gift in memory of Keith Gawith to Saranam, 1028 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste F, Albuquerque, NM 87112. (https://saranamabq.org/)