Keith Edward Stone grew up in Illinois and passed on in Mesa, Arizona. After high school graduation, he served in the US Air Force and was discharged as a proud veteran.

Through friends, he met Maxine (Estep) Stone, his wife of 66 years, who served as secretary at Blakely Elementary School for many years. Keith and Maxine’s kids, Jeff and Jayelee, were their pride and joy. Together, they traveled in their RVs, played with yellow iron heavy machinery, got their hands dirty, and were well-loved and cared for.

Keith worked for Boeing for several years until moving to Bainbridge Island, where he briefly worked for Bainbridge Auto Parts. In 1965, he was hired by the City of Winslow as a maintenance technician, and through his skill at fixing anything and tough-but-kind style, he rapidly rose to become Public Works Director, supervising all of the city’s utilities and numerous employees. He successfully navigated working for half a dozen mayors and city councils (both for the City of Winslow and the City of Bainbridge), and his accomplishments included administering the construction of the city’s multi-million dollar sewer collection and treatment system, connection to KPUD wells, major sidewalk, and road improvement projects, and more.

Keith and Maxine eventually retired to Arizona to relax and enjoy Arizona’s year-round warmth and comfort. Together, they made many friends, but Keith, true to his loving self, kept a special place in his heart for his Bainbridge friends and co-workers. Keith is survived by his wife Maxine, son Jeff Stone and daughter Jayelee Dorris.

Keith, loving husband, amazing dad, skilled yellow iron operator, tough-but-kind boss, and friend to many–Godspeed on your next journey.

Keith’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, September 28th at 3:00 pm at the Whidbey Island Earth Sanctuary on 2059 Newman Rd, Langley, WA 98260