Keegan Charles Smith
August 24, 2004 - October 6, 2020
Keegan Charles Smith was born on August 24, 2004. Between an unconventional birth—a breech cesarean—and a meaningful name we neglected to check first—Keegan for fiery one and Charles for warrior—we should have known our new arrival would become an absolute force of nature whom we loved for 16 years.
As the youngest child of three with a significant age gap, Keegan spent his early years in tow attending his siblings' plays, voice recitals, guitar concerts, and Girls Scouts meetings. An athlete and performer at heart, his heart was set on becoming an MMA fighter. He had the talent and the determination; he could have made it.
Keegan had a sense of humor that was subtle but wicked. He had nicknames for everyone in his family, including his beloved pets. He had a taste for the finer things in life: sushi, crab, dry-aged prime rib. While he had no intention of wasting time on something that didn't hold his interest, he would quickly master anything that did. He was an incredible guitar player, singer, and had just started longboarding.
Underneath a tough and frequently guarded exterior was an incredibly tender-hearted young man who struggled to express those big feelings. He was an avid supporter of the underdog to the point that it got him in trouble on many occasions. When recently asked what his ideal day would look like, his top answer was “I would donate some money to charity.” He dreamed of using future competition winnings to support the less fortunate and champion justice.
Keegan struggled with depression and anxiety. Despite every effort and his will to get through, he succumbed to the pain on October 6, 2020. He is survived by his father, Brian Smith; mother, Elizabeth Kirts Smith; sister, Kathryn Sopersmith; sister in law, Elizabeth Sopersmith; brother, Daniel Smith; future brother in law, Nate Bates; grandparents, Kelly and Barbara Smith and Annette Kirts; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Victoria Rees Smith and grandfather, Steven W. Kirts.
He leaves behind his beloved dog Gizmo, aka Gizzy Brown, Mary Jane, fat kitty, and Luna, stupid kitty. Many other pets comforted him throughout his life, most notably Oliver the orange beast and Violet the little puppy.
In lieu of flowers, be like Keegan and find your passion, love animals, care deeply, and donate to charity. If you choose to donate, he would appreciate an organization that supports animals, sexual assault victims, youth athletics, or equity/inclusion.
We all wish he knew how much he meant to us and his true value, but know that he left a ripple effect in his wake and the impact his spirit made and continues to make is immeasurable. Keegan's planned walkout song was Sweet Caroline—we'd like to invite you to sing it loud and think of him every time you hear it.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17th at 1:00 PM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Due to the pandemic, you must be on the invitation list to attend. Facebook Live will be streamed for those unable to attend in person. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. We will be planning a celebration of life next spring when we hope we will be better able to hold large events.
In Loving Memory
Remembering this lively amazing young man who will be missed by his family and friends.
What a wonderful tribute. Prayers for your while family. If you need anything at all please have Patti contact me.
What a wonderful tribute. He is loved! I wish the world could have seen him shine for 100 years...16 will have to do! All my love to the Kirts and Smiths.
To Kate and family, This beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Keegan expresses his kind and loving personality, and your unconditional love for him. My heart is heavy with sadness and I wish all of you a measure of peace as you readjust to this inconceivable loss in your life. With love, Carol
Our hearts are broken. Please know how much we love the entire Kirts family and how sorry we are for your loss of dear Keegan. ‘Sweet Caroline’ will never have the same meaning, we will think of him now when we hear it. Prayers are coming full force from us to your whole family! Much love and hugs to all, Margie and Bob Petersen
Elizabeth and family, words cannot express the deep sadness that Keegan’s passing has caused for so many. Although I never officially met him, I feel like I know him thanks to the lovely tribute written about him. God bless you all as you navigate the days ahead. His suffering is over, take comfort in knowing Christ heals all pains! Love and comfort to all!
A real tragedy. He barely began to spread his wings. You’re all in our hearts and prayers and we join you in your sorrow. May his soul rest in peace and his memory live on.
Dear Brian and Elizabeth, how deeply effected we are by Keegan's passing. Handsome, bright, witty, radiant, giving... we know your pain. Too much so. Our own son, Michael, though several years older, left us 12 years ago. Your pain is our pain. And we know there are no words, as we learn early on. Still, in many ways, Keegan was our Michael. Giving. loving, engaging, creative, faithful, a true child of God. With us for an eternity. While physically we will be in Anacortes on the day of Keegan's funeral, know that we will be there, also. In the sea of upturned, tear-streaked faces, ours will be among them. We embrace you, we love you, we stand with you, in our hearts and mind always. As we celebrate the brief but glorious life of your child. George and Jane Starks
Liz and family, it is never easy to lose a child, I know that personally. Know that he is at peace and happy while you and everyone is sad and sorrowful. We are all here for you. I can only tell you that the hole in your heart will always be there but the pain does lessen. Know that his spirit is with you all. Look for that special occurrence, something that is a special representation of Keegan. God Bless and keep you all in His heart.
Our hearts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Your family was so very welcoming to us when we moved to Utah in 2004 and joined the St Thomas More family. There can be nothing more painful than losing a child. Love from all of us. Diana Yandell and Susan & Clay Jones
Dear Liz and Family, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Keegan. His tribute gives wonderful insight into what an amazing young man he has been. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Deryse South Africa
I did not have the honor of meeting your son, as we are new to City Academy, but your tribute is beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss.
I have been so heartbroken since hearing the news. Liz and crew...I love your family with all my heart, and so sorry for your loss. May we all be like Keegan and learn to love and show compassion like he did! Love always! ����
In Loving Memory
