Paul Stuart Keller, 70

Paul Stuart Keller, 70, embarked on his final journey after a lengthy battle with cancer, on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at his home in Elmira, Idaho.

Private family services have been held.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen, of nearly 50 years; their daughter, Aimee Keller Kackley; a son-in-law, John; and a granddaughter, Audrey, all of Evanston, Ill.; son John Travis Keller of Seattle; and daughter, Jessica Keller of Sandpoint, Idaho. He is also survived by his older brother, John Keller of Denver, Colo.; and sister Marion Keller of San Diego, Calif.; as well as The Family Circle, his much loved extended family.

Paul was the youngest of three children born to Jack and Louise Keller of Venice, Calif., on July 9, 1946. His mom’s keen and curious mind kindled in him a love of history and a deep curiosity about everything. Her sense of humor was passed down as a legacy. His grandfather, who had been a cowboy for many years, instilled in him a sense of integrity as well as a love of country life and adventure. These influences impacted the man he became.

Paul loved gymnastics, trampolines and bowling. When he discovered that he could make money bowling he loved it more. And when he met Eileen Johnson, whose mother worked at Reseda Bowl, he was hooked. After high school graduation he joined the Naval Air Reserves. Following his jump school training in New Jersey, he returned home to Northridge, Calif., where he eventually persuaded Eileen to cast her lot with him. They were married on Feb. 16, 1968, in Reseda, Calif., where they lived until moving to Sandpoint in 1974. Paul went to work for Ceda-Pine Veneer in 1976, and worked there until his retirement in 2008.

For both Paul and Eileen, the move to Idaho was a pivotal one. They loved the beautiful land, the pace, the tempo, and the values of rural life. Not knowing how to do something never slowed him down. He loved the challenge of figuring out the solution to whatever problem he came across. These included building corrals, shelters for the animals, and eventually building his home. These were the adventures he loved. Riding horses, haying in the summer, touring the lake at full throttle, sharing opinions on all manner of ideas, playing in the snow and camping in the summer: he loved it all. Mostly, Paul loved giving his children the environment and experiences he wished he had more of growing up. He worked hard and he played whole-heartedly. He loved a good argument and sought them out as often as possible. He was bright, generous, and funny. While sharing his feelings was not his long suit, his actions, and his loyalty spoke volumes. He was incredibly proud of the adults his children became. He left with no regrets and great stories to tell on the other side.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Paul’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.