Keith Elwin Cress

February 27, 2018

Keith Elwin Cress Obituary (Age 92) Keith Elwin Cress died at Spokane Veterans Home on Tuesday, February 27th just four months short of his 93rd birthday. He was born to Douglas and Frankie Cress in La Center, WA and grew up in Glenwood in the shadow of Mt. Adams. He loved the woods and the animals. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, having founded several rod and gun clubs as well as bowhunter organizations in Georgia and California. Keith was a retired Army Captain, that fought in WWII, Korea, and the Vietnam conflict. He lived an interesting and adventurous life: he lived all alone for two years at the age of 16 17, fought Indians and bears over berry picking rights, welded warships, invaded beaches, became an Army boxing champion, completed Officers Candidate School and became an Army officer, was awarded two bronze stars with V for valor, received multiple Purple Hearts, spoke German, was on the Washington State ski patrol, served as a fire fighter, sold yachts, installed lawn sprinklers, was a realtor, was on the police force of the University of California, taught archery to the Boy Scouts and served as Scout Master. He was always available to lend a helping hand and strongly believed in leaving a situation better than he found it. He was a great friend, a loving father and a good husband. He was a generous man that gave his cars, money, time, and love to many others. He loved his two grown sons, Paul and Keith from another life, but having lived around the world, he always wanted to return to his beloved Washington State. It was here he lived the last third of his life and where he blended into a family he loved with all his heart. He deeply loved his wife, Mary, and her daughters, Kari and Kathy, as if they were his own. A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for June 16th at Deer Lake. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Keith, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events FEB 27