George Valentine “Val” McKeever, Jr.
Val passed on peacefully at his home on September 30th, 2017. Val was a proud third generation San Franciscan born to George and Gertrude McKeever on April 20, 1928. He was the devoted husband, and partner in many adventures, of Maire “Mo” McAuliffe McKeever who passed in September 2003. He is survived by his sisters Dolores McKeever Donahue and Alannah Hurley as well as his sister-in-law Terry Eldredge. He was preceded in death by his sisters-in-law Pat Ranney and Eileen Crofton. Val will be deeply missed but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his son, Geordie McKeever; daughter, Mairi McKeever; son-in-law, Chuck Lewkowitz; adored grandchildren Siobhan and Charlie Lewkowitz, and dear friend Flor Binder. He was the cherished gentleman friend of Marlys Saveri, who brought new love to Val’s golden years.
Val was a devoted family man, an active member of his community, and an honorable businessman with a quick wit who always had time for others. His delight with his family and love of his children and grandchildren was never far from the surface. He encouraged everyone in their choice of pursuits and offered unconditional love and sage advice. He was never controlling and was always patient, allowing others to find their own path.
A life-long San Franciscan, Val attended Star of the Sea Grammar School (‘41) and Sacred Heart High School (‘45). He shared stories of playing in the sand dunes near the family’s Richmond District home, summer jobs delivering ice-blocks, riding the street cars down Geary Blvd, hitch-hiking to the Russian River, family ferry rides across the Bay to visit cousins in San Rafael and Oakland, joining his father watching concrete pours during the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, and of course attending every parish dance he could. After graduating from SH, Val ventured east to St. Mary’s College (‘49) in Moraga where he served as student body president.
In 1961, Val married Dr. Maire McAuliffe, and together built a life focused on family, friends, and enjoying the wonders of the world. They traveled to the Far East, Europe and Asia and took great pleasure in numerous bareboat sailing adventures. Mo and Val’s home was always open to relatives and friends stopping by for a quick visit or staying for a few months.
In 1951 Val began his real estate career with Anchor Realty and eventually opened his own business in the 1980’s. He was an astute businessman who strongly believed that one’s successes should be shared with others. (Except on the handball courts of the Olympic Club!) He took great delight in helping younger people achieve their full potential and realize their dreams through education. Educated by the Christian Brothers, Val was committed to service, he was a founding member of the Hibernian Newman Club, served on the Board of Regents of St. Mary’s College and was the President of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Board of Regents.
Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, October 12 at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 14th at 11am. The location for both services is St. Brendan Church, 29 Rockaway Ave, SF. Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, 1055 Ellis St, SF CA 94109; DeMarillac Academy, 175 Golden Gate Ave, SF 94102; or St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Road PMB 4300 Moraga CA 94575.