This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Keith Marco, born on February 11, 2003, and date of organ donation on June 6, 2024. We will remember him forever.
Link to Prayers (for Celebration of Life, HB, 7/15/2024)
Be kind:
Live Like Keith
Keith was always “Baby Keith” to me even after he grew to a startling 6 foot 4 inches and 290 pounds. At a certain point he could sit on me to win an argument. My only defense was my quickness against his enormous size.
Yet, Keith was always a gentle giant. He loved people and demonstrated his kind heartedness even in the face of intense sports competition. He was always the first one to offer a hand to an injured teammate (and even to those on the competitor’s team) during a football, basketball, or baseball game. It made me proud to have a brother that was so caring. My Dad always wished that he was more aggressive like his sister, but I knew that two siblings like me would be overwhelming to say the least.
He and I balanced our family like the sharp keel balances the towering sail of a sailboat. We took turns comforting each other in times of need and bringing joy to our parents in their own sorrows.
I remember two instances when Keith was pivotal to my mental well being. I became severely depressed due to the stress of advanced classes, failing friendships, and the belief that I would never find a partner in my life during high school. On one occasion I was crying in my room clearly in a very dark state of mind when a small slip of paper appeared under my door. It read something like “Emma please don’t kill yourself, I love you” in sloppy penciled handwriting. I opened the door. My brother and I embraced each other in tears. Keith was able to recognize and assuage my suffering at such a young age. And he continued to be a strong support in my life long after I graduated high school to become the person I am now. Our father, John, passed away two years ago. Kieth was brave enough to come stand besides me on the church pulpit for moral support as I read my father’s eulogy. I never had to stand alone with Keith by my side.
Keith brought so many other people joy besides his immediate family. He made countless friends while remaining true to his values both at Redondo Union High School and Cal Poly SLO. I have always admired his ability to connect with people as wholly himself - Keith. He indiscriminately provided help to any peer in need. Keith’s exemplary leadership earned him two Character Awards during the same year of High School - an honor that no one else had achieved in the 40 years that these were awarded.. Later, he earned a sizable scholarship for his amiable disposition through his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. He was a true friend and his light shall live on through all of those he touched.
And I must mention how much he loved food. I’m honored that he took after me in choosing food science as his specialty in college. Keith used food as an instrument of creativity. The succulent smell of brown butter, herbs, and meat wafted through the house when he was at the stove top. Keith cooked with the intention to share “mmm” and “yums” with anyone who could spare a moment to taste the wonders he concocted. He chased his passions through trial and error. Most importantly he opened himself up to the criticisms of others to keep expanding his abilities. There are many people who will miss his cooking.
Go live like Keith: spread kindness, help those in need, and chase your passions. And always say, “I Love you.”
Keith, we love you forever. You will be missed more than you can possibly know.
Love your sister,
Emma
LINK TO FAMILY GOOGLE PHOTO ALBUM OF MEMORIES OF KEITH
