Keith Milton Roper
September 9, 1927 — August 12, 2017
Keith Milton Roper
Keith M. Roper, 89 years old, peacefully passed away at his home in Camarillo while reading his morning paper on August 12, 2017.
He is preceded by his beautiful wife of 40 years, Edythe, who passed away in 1990.
Keith is survived by his 4 children, Victoria L. Roper, Gary K. Roper (Donna), Todd S. Roper (Kim), and Jayme L. Weaver-Marino (Ron); 6 grandchildren, Casey, Michaela, Kelly, Chelsea, Amanda, and Christabel; and 2 great grandchildren, Hayley and Wyatt. He is also survived by his girlfriend and constant companion of 12 years, Judith Lee.
Keith was born in Castle Rock, CO, to Lester V. Roper and Theodosia Roper (Barnett) on September 9, 1927. He was the younger brother to his only sibling, Lester V. Roper, Jr. Keith graduated from the University of Denver in 1951 with a Bachelor's degree in Radio Communications and rushed the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. During his six years in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War, his assignment was to interview servicemen returning from overseas for radio broadcasts. After his discharge he worked as a radio DJ, and also a radio announcer calling play-by-play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Go Big Red!).
An excellent communicator, Keith taught Dale Carnegie for over 40 years and was a walking embodiment of the principles he taught. He also taught the Smith driving method. He held executive positions with United Rent-all, American Fleetcare Systems Corporation, and Denny's Restaurants, Inc. His last position was Vice President of National Franchise Sales for Orange Julius of America. At his retirement, Keith held the distinction of having sold more franchises than anyone in the country.
Keith loved to travel and he rarely said no when asked to take part in any activity or adventure. Being a lifeguard in his early years led to a lifelong fondness for the water, as well as a legacy of water babies and water grand babies. This fondness led to sailing lessons in his 70's and then vacationing in Tahiti and the Caribbean on sailboats where he and the other 8-12 guests were the crew.
As a proud and loving grandfather, he never missed a game, concert, play, band gig, birthday or graduation. He was always front and center when it came to watching his grandchildren.
He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. While his family and friends mourn their loss, we are comforted by his peaceful and painless passing.
Keith lived a full, happy, healthy life and is now in the arms of his loving wife in the presence of Jesus.
Lunch will be served at a celebration of his life in the Recreation Center at Leisure Village: 1200 Leisure Village Dr, Camarillo, CA 93012, at 12:30pm. Email vlroper@hotmail.com to be added to the guest list at the gate.
Graveside Services for the family will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park and Cemetery in Chatsworth.
He is preceded by his beautiful wife of 40 years, Edythe, who passed away in 1990.
Keith is survived by his 4 children, Victoria L. Roper, Gary K. Roper (Donna), Todd S. Roper (Kim), and Jayme L. Weaver-Marino (Ron); 6 grandchildren, Casey, Michaela, Kelly, Chelsea, Amanda, and Christabel; and 2 great grandchildren, Hayley and Wyatt. He is also survived by his girlfriend and constant companion of 12 years, Judith Lee.
Keith was born in Castle Rock, CO, to Lester V. Roper and Theodosia Roper (Barnett) on September 9, 1927. He was the younger brother to his only sibling, Lester V. Roper, Jr. Keith graduated from the University of Denver in 1951 with a Bachelor's degree in Radio Communications and rushed the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. During his six years in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War, his assignment was to interview servicemen returning from overseas for radio broadcasts. After his discharge he worked as a radio DJ, and also a radio announcer calling play-by-play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Go Big Red!).
An excellent communicator, Keith taught Dale Carnegie for over 40 years and was a walking embodiment of the principles he taught. He also taught the Smith driving method. He held executive positions with United Rent-all, American Fleetcare Systems Corporation, and Denny's Restaurants, Inc. His last position was Vice President of National Franchise Sales for Orange Julius of America. At his retirement, Keith held the distinction of having sold more franchises than anyone in the country.
Keith loved to travel and he rarely said no when asked to take part in any activity or adventure. Being a lifeguard in his early years led to a lifelong fondness for the water, as well as a legacy of water babies and water grand babies. This fondness led to sailing lessons in his 70's and then vacationing in Tahiti and the Caribbean on sailboats where he and the other 8-12 guests were the crew.
As a proud and loving grandfather, he never missed a game, concert, play, band gig, birthday or graduation. He was always front and center when it came to watching his grandchildren.
He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. While his family and friends mourn their loss, we are comforted by his peaceful and painless passing.
Keith lived a full, happy, healthy life and is now in the arms of his loving wife in the presence of Jesus.
Lunch will be served at a celebration of his life in the Recreation Center at Leisure Village: 1200 Leisure Village Dr, Camarillo, CA 93012, at 12:30pm. Email vlroper@hotmail.com to be added to the guest list at the gate.
Graveside Services for the family will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park and Cemetery in Chatsworth.
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