May 16, 1957 – April 30, 2024
Thomas Mastin Keck died peacefully on April 30, 2024, surrounded by his wife, Maggie, and family.
Tom was born May 16, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the first son of Thomas E. and Joel K. Keck, who moved to the Northwest, where he grew up in Kent and Enumclaw, Washington. He excelled in his academics, participating in FFA, debate, soccer, and a barbershop quartet. He attended and graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 and was a lifelong Cougar supporter.
Dr. Keck was a veterinarian at Dallas Animal Clinic for 42 years and recently retired in late January. Tom knew the countryside of Polk County and beyond. In his work, he visited farms and ranches to help farmers and families with their pets and livestock, only to return to his beloved clinic to make evening phone calls to check on his recent patients. There weren’t many animals in Polk County who didn’t feel his care and love.
He was dedicated to his profession over the years. Serving the public as a vet for the Polk County Fair, a 4-H and FFA Advisor, a member of the Oregon Veterinary Examining Board, on several veterinary medical associations’ boards, and legislative committees. He loved his work, his clinic staff, his colleagues and clients and often found time to chat with them and listen to them as they discussed myriad life topics.
Tom married his college sweetheart and lab partner, Maggie Tivnan, in 1979. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary last June. A family man at heart, he and Maggie raised four children on a farm in Rickreall, Oregon.
He leaves behind his wife, Maggie; his children Thomas (Victoria), Andrew (Sara), Meghan (Spenser), and Ian (Hilary); three grandchildren Samson, Joelle and Arthur; and several grand-pets. His parents passed away in 2007. Tom is survived by his brother, Brent (Kathy) and their children Vincent, Teresa, Matthew; and by his sister, Catherine and her sons, Joel and Igor.
Tom and Maggie had many adventures, including travels to Hawaii, New Zealand, Mexico and many cruise ship vacations. Tom was an avid reader and enjoyed hockey, soccer and a vast array of music genres. His generosity and care for others was boundless, further indicated by his last act of kindness by donating his kidneys and tissues to help improve others’ lives.
There will be a Celebration of Life at St. Philip Catholic Church on July 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Marion-Polk Food Share or your local 4-H or FFA programs.