Raymond (Gus) Bedford Keeney, Jr, 82, died after a lengthy illness on April 24 in Yuma, AZ. He was the eldest child of Raymond Bedford Keeney, Sr. and Gladys Ann Dixon Keeney. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, June 14, 1939.

Gus moved with his family to Richland, Washington in 1943. His dad, Ray Keeney, was a dedicated Scoutmaster and leader for the Boy Scouts of America. Gus attained the level of Eagle Scout while under his tutelage. Gus graduated from Columbia (Richland) High School in 1957. While at Richland High School he blended his beautiful bass voice with the Sandmen, a men's quartet. Gus attended Columbia Basin College, then enlisted in the US Navy, 1958. He served from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1962 as an Electrician's Mate, 3 ^rd Class Petty Officer on the USS Midway in Yokohama, Japan. After leaving the Navy Gus began working for Boise Cascade as an Electrician, first at the Wallula, WA plant soon transferring to the St. Helens, OR plant, where he retired as a maintenance supervisor. While living in St. Helens he was active in the BPOE (Elks) and was a member of and also served as Commodore of the St. Helens Yacht Club.

Gus loved people, boating, cars, music and collecting guitars. He was often the center of "mischievous merriment" as was his mom and he willingly lent his mechanical and fix-it expertise to anyone with a need just like his dad. He always brightened a room with his smile and if you knew Gus, you were happy and proud to call him a friend. Gus's company, leadership and friendship garnered a large group of friends. He was an enthusiastic "jeeper" and weekly leader of three groups on "Wild Gus Chases" through the desert around Yuma. This was his greatest pleasure and those who participated in his life felt he was The Nicest Guy in the World.

Gus married Mary Lou Williams (RHS Class of 1960) in 1964. They were divorced in 1973. He married Lana Sue Hoverson Kinney in 1976. He lost Sue to cancer in 2004 after 28 years of marriage. Later he shared his life and home with dear friend, Lillian Crawford, in Yuma, AZ.

Gus is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Bedford Keeney, Sr. and Gladys Dixon Keeney; his spouses, Mary Lou Williams Keeney and Lana Sue Hoverson Keeney; stepdaughter Dana Sue Kinney and dear friend Lillian Crawford. He is survived by sisters Missy Keeney Baker, Richland, WA and Patricia Keeney, Portland, OR; brother Jack Keeney (Barbara), Longview, WA; Nieces Ruth Ann Baker, Bothell, WA  and Barbara Ann Smolko (David), Spanaway, WA; Nephews Bryan DeVaney, Damascus, OR, and Justin Keeney (Selene), Portland, OR; Grand Nieces, Sophia Smolko and Dahlia Keeney and Grand Nephews, Ryan and Liam Smolko. He is also survived by his treasured friend and caregiver, Melissa Wise, Yuma, AZ. Cremation arrangements by Sunset Vista Funeral Home, Yuma, AZ.