TERRY REED KEEFE,
age 79, of Little Rock, Ark., sustained un-survivable injuries after being struck by an oncoming vehicle while attempting to cross a road near his home last Saturday, January 28, 2023, around 6:15 a.m. He and his wife walked three miles every morning to get their day started. He was an avid outdoorsman and world traveler. He and Kathy had just surpassed their 100th country.
He was born in Little Rock in 1943. He is preceded in death by his parents Loren and Evelyn (Gresham) Keefe. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, J. Kathleen Keefe, his daughter, Lisa Keefe Brooks (JT), two grandchildren Devin and Nora Thompson, one aunt, Evelyn Harrel and a small number of cousins that have moved from Arkansas.
His life is best described by a few of his dear friends and fellow adventure seekers as follows: Tim Ernst - Photography of Arkansas and Other Wild Places: Today we lost a mountain of a man. Terry was known for and will be so fondly remembered because of the pace and the depth that he embraced life - especially the outdoor life - and for enriching the lives of so many people (and other critters) he encountered along the way. My last connection with Terry was just last Friday, when he so kindly spent nearly an hour on the phone trying to locate a new waterfall find of his on a topo map - I was using the latest digital version, and he was using his much-more-refined and accurate memory to recall minute details of the trek to the waterfall he’d discovered many moons ago. Terry is the Grandfather of the sport of waterfall hunting in Arkansas (just one of MANY things he was great at - really tough to keep up with him!). One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state was named after him more than 20 years ago - TERRY KEEFE FALLS. He no doubt visited many thousands of waterfalls in Arkansas and around the globe, and I hope that you will give a nod to the heavens in his honor the next time you are splashed by one. Rest In Peace my friend - you deserve it! And THANKS for all that you did for the world.
David Thrasher, Rogers, Ark.: Terry Keefe (Keefee to all his many friends) was a mountain man, a true outdoorsman, and a great pioneer in our sport of whitewater paddling. Keefee was on the first descent of Richland Creek, he was there when we named the rapids in Cossatot Falls, he was in the first group from Arkansas to run the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and so much more. He was also an early supporter of the Arkansas Canoe Club and his wonderful wife Kathy served as the Director of the Canoe School and as club President. RIP Keefee, you will be missed.
Max Wellhouse, Cedar Falls, Iowa: A more jovial and caring steward of the outdoors I cannot name.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Buffalo River Foundation at www.BuffaloRiverFoundation.org.
On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.