Washington, Utah – Our beloved patriarch, Keith Larsen Henrie passed away peacefully on February 10, 2022. He was proud of his well-earned 97 years of age, but we're sure he thought he was going to live to be 105.

Keith was born to Irven and Orlene Larsen Henrie on September 11, 1924, in Gunnison Utah. The oldest of five siblings, his mother always called him her "experiment", but acknowledged later he turned out pretty well despite the odds. He grew up with four siblings in a little house where he said they never quarreled about who was in the one bathroom they shared, or who had to sleep alongside whom because of the tight quarters. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and always knew the best spots. He absolutely loved being outdoors and exploring the lakes, streams, and mountains nearby. This love stayed with him his entire life. He had a special relationship with his mother. Throughout his life he came home from school every day at lunchtime to tend to their large chicken flock. He fondly spoke of this special one-on-one time spent with her. She always encouraged him to pursue a career in aviation because of his deep love of planes, despite his father's urging to become a woodshop teacher. He was talented mechanically and loved working. Work was a pleasure for him. This never left him as he was often building and fixing things, always able to figure how to repair anything, or even painting his first car (Model A Ford). Keith excelled at anything he did. He played basketball in high school and earned a scholarship to Utah State University, but those plans had to wait as World War II was in full swing. He was eager to get into the fight and enlisted in the Army Air Corp (the predecessor to the modern-day Air Force) and was assigned to Enid Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Still a teenager, he stood out as an exceptionally talented pilot and was chosen out of many to stay stateside and become a flight instructor for the B-25 bomber. Only the best of the best became instructors, however he was anxious to fully engage the enemy and go overseas. He was finally given orders to go to Europe, but the war ended. We're grateful for that. We are all so proud of his exemplary loyalty and service to our country.

After the war he re-started his educational journey and attended Utah State in Logan. Very soon after arriving, he found and fell in love with Faye Barton from Beaver, Utah. They were married March 1, 1946, after a whirlwind courtship of just six weeks. After Utah State, they became co-owners with Faye's father of a large cattle ranch in Cherry Creek, Nevada. Keith was Grandpa Barton's right-hand man as his mechanical knowledge and horsemanship made him a tremendous asset. Ranch life was hard, but he did not shy away from the opportunity or the lack of running water, heat and an indoor bathroom. Soon he fixed those issues and even was able to secure a gasoline powered washing machine for Faye. She was thrilled with these new amenities!

Dale, their firstborn arrived in late December 1946, then came their second son Kim four years later. Life on the ranch was strenuous so after four years of hard work and very long winters they decided to change gears. They moved to California to start an education revolving around his love of airplanes. So away they went, California on the horizon. He set his sights on the very prestigious CalTech where he later would receive his Masters in Aeronautics, but first would come a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating with two degrees all the while earning exceptional grades and carrying a heavy load, his first employment was with Lockheed and they located in Granada Hills, California.   After a few years there, and after Melissa was born in 1955, he switched jobs to Aeronutronic in Newport Beach. Orange County was now their home, and they loved all things Southern California. Keith helped Dale and the older Scouts make their own surfboards and even had the expert advice of Mr. Hobie himself. 50-gallon drums of resin and lots of styrofoam and fiberglass were a mainstay of the garage. In 1962 Shawna was born, and she completed the pack of four.

Keith and Faye were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where they both found themselves in various leadership positions. His love of the outdoors, outgoing personality, and experience in so many areas made him a perfect candidate for Scout Master, Bishopric member and Young Men leader, amongst other callings. They both had firm testimonies of the truthfulness of the Gospel and a fervent love for Christ and His teachings.

Keith's career took off and he was hired by General Dynamics as the Chief of the Aerodynamics Department. He was always a leader in everything he did, especially in his work. He excelled in many things and loved his profession. He moved the family to Redlands where he and Faye bought an orange grove (a tax strategy) on five acres complete with two run-down homes which needed extensive remodeling and the responsibility of farming large crops of oranges. This did not scare him, but there were times Faye was worried. It all worked out, and Keith was instrumental in making both homes beautiful. They loved Redlands, and the ward there loved the Henrie family. He was soon made Bishop and served diligently in that sacred calling for over five years.

He gave his family a wonderful life growing up as he wanted his children to have the best opportunities possible. That included working hard, especially on Saturdays, being active helpers around the house and yard, and NOT watching Saturday morning cartoons. He taught his children by example how to be the best they could be, do a good job in everything they did and to be persons of integrity. He always made sure the family was doing exciting things like waterskiing, motorcycle and camping trips, houseboat and snow skiing vacations which became highlights of their youth. Fishing and hunting were part of life and he shared that love with them. They spent time in the summer with grandparents and cousins and of course flew there in Keith's private plane. He continued with his love of airplanes by continuing to instruct and own private small planes. This was the mode of transportation often, especially when visiting family in Utah and Idaho.

After many years in Redlands, he took a job with The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo. At this point all the older kids were on their way and Shawna was the only one left. Manhattan Beach was now home, but then there was Redondo Beach and they finally settled in a cute little cottage in Palos Verdes Estates. Another fixer upper, where at this point, they were experts but had fun completely remodeling this home. He was given a big promotion in 1978 to relocate to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he headed up the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve and worked very closely with the Department of Energy. This was an exciting time as Louisiana was so different from California and a new adventure. They of course made life-long friends, loved the southern culture and Keith was able to help the members there with his leadership abilities. They returned to California after the assignment in Louisiana where he continued to work.

Keith soon retired after a long, successful career. At this point they had purchased homes all over Southern California including Thousand Oaks and Carmel. They then found themselves in San Ramon, California where they bought a brand-new home. They lived near the older kids here and life was good. They thoroughly loved being near their many grandchildren and taking part in their lives. They travelled the world, went on cruises with friends and took many trips all over the country in their motorhome. They served an honorable mission at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City where they rubbed shoulders with the Prophet and General Authorities. This was a very rewarding experience for them, and they spoke so fondly of their time in Salt Lake City.

After their mission, they decided to return home to Utah. They purchased homes in Lehi and St. George where they divided their time equally. Again, family was their priority so spending time with the adult children and grandchildren were highlights of their life. After Faye had several back surgeries and a few health scares, they decided that possibly one location might be better, so St. George became their permanent home in 2017. They prospered there, were reunited with old lifelong friends and Keith even picked up golf, despite two ankles replacements and a knee replacement. He rode his bike and exercised daily. He was keenly aware of his health and wanted to be the best he could be. Even as he aged a protein shake loaded with fruits and vegetables became his everyday breakfast. He prided himself on being independent, active and very healthy, even if he was in his late 90's. He was sharp intellectually and was an active participant in all of his kids and grandchildren's lives, attending graduations, weddings, missionary activities, sporting events and even a few dance recitals for his great granddaughter.

In April 2020, his beloved partner of seventy-four years passed away from a stroke and this left Keith alone. He was brave and composed and missed her but continued his good life as an active independent man, well loved by his neighbors and friends. He dutifully watched over his last remaining long-time friends who needed him, looked forward to dining out and visiting, was a whiz on the computer, was still a competent driver, did his own cooking and shopping and continued as an avid reader.

Keith was healthy and happy until Covid set in in January. He fought it hard, and actually beat it but then last minute non-treatable complications were impossible to conquer. However, he was fully aware; not afraid. He knew his fate and looked forward to the "next new adventure" as his mother would say. He went peacefully with family by his side. His family is forever grateful he was in control of his life until the very end, just the way he wanted it.

He is survived by sons: Dale (Marty) Henrie, Kim (Linda) Henrie; daughters: Melissa (Jack) McIntyre and Shawna Henrie; brothers: Lund and Larry Henrie; and sister, Elouise Jensen. Preceded in death by his parents, Irven and Orlene Larsen Henrie; sister, Joyce Maylett; granddaughter, Jessica McIntyre; and great granddaughter Sadie Rose Henrie. Keith's nineteen grandchildren will miss him deeply as will his forty-two great grandchildren (plus another little girl arriving in April), and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

Following the services, interment with military honors will be in the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, Utah.