In Memory

Hugh Keenan

Hugh Keenan

Hugh Keenan June 28, 1952 - Jan 13, 2014 Resident of Ben Lomond Hugh Keenan was born in San Francisco on June 28, 1952 to Ann (Sperry) and Hugh Keenan. He attended Catholic elementary school and Palo Alto High School, graduating in 1970. Hugh earned a B.A. in art from the California College of Arts and Crafts. He then moved to New York City, where he worked toward a Master's at Cooper Union. He thereafter pursued a career as an art dealer. When his mother's health began failing he moved to Ben Lomond to care for her. Hugh passed away suddenly at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz on January 13, 2014. He is survived by his sister, Kathy (Keenan) Pastenieks and John Pastenieks, of Clovis, California, and family, and by sister Karen (Keenan) Roizen and Ron Roizen, of Wallace, Idaho, and family. He leaves behind good friends and neighbors, Brenda and Keith Brink as well as many others.



 
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09/29/19 10:48 AM #1    

Eric Seedman

Hugh was such a cool guy. The world is less bright without him.

 


09/29/19 01:43 PM #2    

Nancy M. "Nell" Smith (Bledsoe)

 

I’m so sorry to hear that Hugh Is gone. I enjoyed our frequent chats in Paly’s amphitheater and was in awe of his artistic talent. Hugh was comfortable to be with. One afternoon he suggested we drive over to Berkeley and see Nina Simone in concert. I had no idea who she was, but off we went in his little beat up car, driving over the Bay Bridge, free and happy living in the moment. That concert proved to be one of the most mesmerizing performances I’ve ever seen, and it’s one of my fondest memories of my Paly years. It wouldn’t have happened without Hugh and today I can’t listen to one of Nina’s songs and not think of him, remembeting his warmth and generosity, and the fun of his friendship. He is missed and may he RIP. 

Nancy “Nell” Smith Bledsoe


09/29/19 05:42 PM #3    

Steve Sevilla

I am so sorry to hear of this.  Hugh was a tremendously talented and witty guy, with a great sense of humor.  We spent a multitude of moments sharing music, art, movies, good natured mischief and lots of laughter —Oh yeah, then there was that time in sophomore year when we wrecked my father's work car —Yikes! Here's to you, Hugh and the next greatest version of the grandest vision ever you held, my Friend.


05/13/23 04:35 PM #4    

Rob Wilson

There's just one thing I want you to know When you've been near me I've felt the love stirring in my soul Yeah (yeah) Yes I have
It's so hard to come by That feeling of peace This friend of mine said...
Jackson Browne, "Bright Baby Blues."

When I think of Hugh, i think of those lines from Jackson Browne.

I avoid this section because we've lost so many great friends and I struggle with depression as it is.  I really liked Hugh.  We were not friends -- we did not hang out.  I doubt he noticed me.  There were many many classmates that I "liked," but my own represssed self and subconscious struggle stopped me from making that simple connection, other than saying "hi" in the halls and trying to be a nice guy.  Hugh has always stuck in my memory as a sad missed opportunity to have a fun.creative friend.  I hope he was happy.

I just hope you found that "feeling of peace that's so hard to come by" Hugh.  I regret not being brave enough to have gotten to know you better.

Your ghost friend,

Rob.


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