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As posted in the Seattle Times Wednesday, March 31, 1999
Keith Henry Rousu of Woodinville died of cancer March 24 at his home. He was 53. Keith Henry Rousu was born Dec. 8, 1945, in Seattle.
He graduated from Bothell High School in 1964 and later attended the University of Washington, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1968 and a master's degree in business administration in 1970.
Mr. Rousu participated in ROTC while at the UW and was the Army ROTC distinguished military graduate in 1968. He served in the Army as a lieutenant from 1970-1972 at Fort Hood, Texas, and in Republic of Vietnam. He earned honors during his military career, including National Defense Service, Army Commendation and Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals, as well as a Bronze Star. On Feb. 3, 1973 he married Flavia Anne in Bothell.
Mr. Rousu was a customer service director for United Airlines from 1991-1998 and was general contractor and owner of Rousu Construction, Inc from 1977-1999.
He was a UWW Alumni lifetime member, an Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity member and a member of Cottage Lake Prebyterian Church. He enjoyed his children's activities and was a season ticket holder to UW football and basket ballgames. According to his wife, he enjoyed helping neighbors, colleagues and friends with construction projects.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Rousu is survived by son Keith Charles Rousu of Woodinville; daughter Lise Hazen Rousu of Woodinville; brothers Dennis A. Rousu of Lake Stevens and Vernon C. Rousu of Bothell; and his father, C. Alvin Rousu of Bothell.
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Pam Festa (Nye)
Keith grew up just down the road from me and when I heard he had made it back from Vietnam safe I said a prayer thank you. I was so sad when his brother told me he was gone. You have to be thankful for every day we have on earth with the ones we love.
Sharon Simonsen (Nelson)
My husband and I had the pleasure of running into Keith one day while at SeaTac airport. It was so good to see him but we could see he was not well and he did mention that to us, all the while being so pleasant and kind. I remember him as a very nice and very handsome young man. Again, what a loss to his family and to us all. I know he would be so proud of his family and I look forward to honoring him along with all our other departed classmates. We are ONE and these people will be sorely missed. Thank you for the information that was posted...had a little tear 'fest' during and after reading it. :-( He is in a far better place.
David Findlay
I did not get to know Keith very well during my short time at BHS. However he and I were taking classes at UW in the old Balmer Hall and we ran into each other...think it was 1969 or 1970. At that time I could tell that he would do well in whatever he chose to do. As is the case for all of our lost BHS students, Keith passed away too soon. Unfortunately, I never saw him again after the UW.
Lynne Cobain (Lang)
Keith was my very good friend during high school. He was deep and philosophical and was already investing in real estate while in high school. He introduced me to Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged. He would get very emotional and introspective about life in general. We seemed to bring out the little kid in each other and would go into fits of sillinesss and laughter. I never saw him after high school but I thought of him often as he became sort of a distant conscience for me.
I still miss him........
Skip Crist
Keith was a very good friend of mine. We grew up the street from each other, starting in the second grade. He came to our house and introduced himself and asked my parents if there was a kid there that he could play with. Of course, that was me. Always very proper and a gentleman, even then. Doesn't that sound like him? I then got to know his brothers, Dennis and Vernon, and his wonderful parents, and we had a lifelong friendship thereafter. Keith and I did so many things together; fishing, scouting, playing sports together, even coaching our girl's softball team together. His dear wife Flavia was such a staunch supporter and it was a lot of fun to know her too. Keith was a contractor after his other business ventures, including owning the "Talisman" clothier stores in Bothell and Edmonds, and he used to send me his subcontractors when I was building my first house on Lake Tuck. I always knew I could count on Keith to send me the best. He was always very polite and considerate to everyone. And always very professional in all of his business dealings. I remember him as always being the same, from the beginning to the end. Always, the perfect gentleman, and always the supporting friend. I am so sorry we have lost such a tremendous friend, not only from me, but from all of us from the Class of 1964". And to you, Flavia, Lisa, Keith, Jr., Dennis, Vernon, and the rest of your dearly beloved family, God Bless You. I will never forget any of you. Each one of you played such an important part in my life. God bless.
Skip Crist
Ok, KC, you gave such a moving tribute to your Dad at our reunion that everyone is still talking about it. Everyone loved your Dad and we all had tears in our eyes. We are all so proud of you and all of your accomplishments and we know your Dad would be especially proud. And then, afterward, I got to see Lisa, and that brought tears to my eyes again. You kids are so special! I wish your Dad could see you now. Thank you both for helping our class of 1964 pay tribute to your wonderful Dad, whom we all loved so much. And thank you both for the wonderful hugs. I love you and the class of 1964 loves you. I feel like not only a friend, but almost a part of your family. Say hi to Uncle Dennis and Uncle Vernon and to your special Mom for me. Love, Skip.