Keith S. Rodaway, 84

Keith S. Rodaway, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at his home at 148 Hilldale Drive in Somers. He was born November 20, 1923, in Lincoln, NE, the son of Edgar Paul and Mary Bernice (Soller) Rodaway. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ruth Ellen Nett, one half-bother Dick Miller, one half-sister Evelyn McCarty, and one son, Keith Rodaway, Jr.

Rodaway grew up in Missoula and Anaconda. His first job was as a machinist in a shipyard near San Francisco and he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked as a rail machinist in India. Later he earned a B.A. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Denver. He was then employed by the aerospace Parker Engineering firm in Westchester, CA for ten years and after that spent 11 years as Chief Engineer for the Everest and Jennings Wheelchair Company. In the latter position he made inventions that resulted in over 25 patents for the company and was proud of these achievements. Keith was instrumental in establishing a combined industrial agency concerned with developing wheelchair performance standards. In 1985, he retired to the Flathead Valley and personally designed and built his home overlooking Hatchery Bay.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dorothy ("Dottie"). He is also survived by his daughter, Kathy (and her husband, Earl) Johnson and their two children, Jodi and Jeff Johnson of Maryland. He is survived by a step-daughter, Shirley Rodaway of North Carolina, two step-sons, Ric and Ron Wilson of Southern California. He is also survived by Mr. Jerry McCarty of Denver, a particularly good friend.

Keith was a helpful and friendly individual, respected by his neighbors and friends.