J. Keith Cleveland Sr. of Shoreline passed away April 18, 2008, of natural causes at age 93.

Born Sept. 25, 1914 in Seattle, Keith spent his early years in the University District. He attended University Heights Elementary, John Marshall Junior High and Roosevelt High School. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1936, majoring in business.

He met Dorothy Haskell after college. They married in 1940 and eventually settled in Magnolia to raise their family.

During World War II and afterwards, Keith was employed by the DuPont Co., both in Seattle and California. He later worked for the Boeing Company. He ended his working career on Whidbey Island as an agent for the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

The couple’s ties to south Whidbey Island began in the 1940s as rental vacationers. They became owners of the “Lighthouse Keeper” cabin at Sandy Point in 1957.

In 1968, they settled permanently near Langley, where both became very active in community affairs.

Keith was proud of his service and contributions to the Langley City Council, Langley Community Club, South Whidbey Lions and Rotary Club and Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. In addition, he was a long-time active member of Useless Bay Golf & Country Club. Keith was a Scoutmaster and past president of the Magnolia Community Club while residing in Seattle.

Remembered as chatty and affable, Keith was never without an amusing story or humorous line for any occasion. He was a loving and kind husband, father and grandfather.

His wife Dorothy preceded him in death in 2000.

Keith is survived by his three sons and their families, John K. Cleveland Jr. and Margaret Cleveland of Seattle and Palm Desert, Calif.; Bruce (Gus) and Cindi Cleveland of Shoreline and their children Amy Cleveland of Santa Monica, Calif. and Debbie Cleveland of Shoreline; and Brian and Jeri Cleveland of Edmonds and their children Lindsey and Andy.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the kindnesses and comfort given to Keith by the staff and management of the Anderson House community in Shoreline and the staff and nurses of the ICU at Northwest Hospital in Seattle during his final days.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 2 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland.

A private family interment will be held at Langley Woodmen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Whidbey Island Rotary Scholarship Fund, PO Box 444, Freeland, WA 98249, or to the charity of your choice.