Galbraith “Gil” Keith November 6, 1949 ~ June 24, 2022

Galbraith “Gil” Keith, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023, in his hometown of Blanding, Utah, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 6, 1949, to loving parents, Gil was a pillar of strength, quiet dignity, and faith throughout his 73 years.
Gil is survived by his devoted wife, of 48 years, Jennie Keith, and their four children, Justin, Summer (husband, Leland Begaye) Russell (wife, Jenn) and Turner (wife, Portia) along with 13 grand children. His unwavering love and commitment to his family were evident in every aspect of his life. He found great joy in supporting his children and grandchildren in their various sporting events, logging thousands of miles on his vehicles, always cheering them on from the sidelines with immense pride. 
A lifelong athlete, Gil’s passion for sports began during his time at Delta High School, where he became a two-time state champion wrestler and was a member of the 1968 state championship football team. His talents on the mat continued at Brigham Young University, where he wrestled prior to marriage and beginning his own family. 
Gil’s dedication to his work was remarkable, as he remained with the same company since 1974, despite the company changing names and ownership over the years. No matter if it was Contel or GTE or Continental and currently Frontier, he was known widely as “The Phone Man” of San Juan County. 
Outside of his work and family life, Gil’s interests were vast and varied. He was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying not only wrestling but also softball, tennis, volleyball, and women’s basketball. He was a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and followed track and field and watched and participated in triathlon events. His love for the outdoors was evident in his pursuits of hunting and fishing, where he found solace and connection with nature, always showing up to help his favorite son in law and oldest granddaughters tag and bag freshly caught game.
In quieter moments, Gil’s intelligence shone through in his love for crossword puzzles and word searches. His faith-filled life was a testament to his selfless nature, always putting others before himself and offering support and guidance when needed.
Throughout his life, Gil remained deeply connected to his roots in Blanding, Utah. He was an active member of his community and his church, holding various callings that he fulfilled with humility and little fanfare. 
We hold onto the memories of his warm smile, his commitment to service and his unwavering love for his family and friends. He was a guiding light for those who knew him, offering wisdom, support, and encouragement in their times of need.

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