Keith B Workman

On the evening of May 7, 2024, Keith B. Workman was welcomed back home by his grandson Justin Keith, and his great-grandson Adrian Keith, as well as many other family members and friends. Keith was born in Vernal, Utah, on July 10, 1934, to Peter Orisho and Josephine Bowthorpe Workman. 

Dad was the second child of six, all born at home, and was the firstborn of twin sons. The family later moved to Holladay, Utah. At a very young age, Dad learned a strong work ethic, milking the cows, tending to the chickens, and working in the garden and apple orchard. In the late summer, his family would pick Himalaya Berries, and his mother would make the family famous Himalaya Berry jam. Dad had many jobs growing up, working in Uncle Harold’s orchard, vaccinating chickens, working at a feed store, and at Hyland Floral, where he met a young lady named Renee. 

After dating for four years, Keith and Renee were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 20, 1953, and lived happily together for almost 71 years. They had four children. Words cannot express the love and devotion they had for each other and their family. Though their married life was not without trial or difficulty, they cherished their time together, and were truly best friends.

Keith had a love for hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. Along with his sons and many other friends, he spent countless hours from Alaska to Nine Mile. He worked for the Mountain Bell telephone company for 39 years. 

Mom and Dad were great examples of love, work, and service. Their service together in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in the community gave them opportunities to influence many around them. They catered the Winder Stake High Priest dinner for twenty years, which President Spencer W. Kimball attended twice. They served a mission in Gold Beach, Oregon, where they met and made many cherished friends, and witnessed the hand of the Lord through the song of a canary. Dad served as bishop of the Winder 9^th Ward for six years.

One of the greatest joys of Keith and Renee’s lives has been their sixteen grandchildren and 50-½ great-grandchildren. Many of his granddaughters loved to hear Grandpa greet them, saying, “Hello Darlin!” Grandma and Grandpa have been their grandchildren’s biggest fans, making time to attend as many of their events as possible. Countless hours were spent learning how to play games, cook and bake, hunt and fish, take care of animals, sewing, and sleepovers. Tommy Wright and the bowl full of coins were family favorites. Their unconditional love has made each of their grandchildren feel like the favorite. 

In their retirement, Keith and Renee had the unbelievable opportunity to serve as tour guides for Webb Tours. Over twelve years, they were able to travel the world, as tour directors for 61 tour groups. Keith would tell the best stories, and Renee would know every person’s name before the tour even began.

A family friend expressed his heartfelt feelings about Keith, saying, “The spirit world just gained a great and mighty leader and an exceptionally effective missionary. I am a better man for having known your dad.”

Keith was preceded in death by his mother and father, twin brother Kenneth R., twin sisters Anna Lee Wright and Bever Lee Jones, grandson Justin Keith Workman, and great-grandson Adrian Keith Workman.

He is survived by his wife, Renee Petersen Workman, children Steve (Sheree), Laurie (Brent Stringfellow), Gary (Melinda), and Randy (Sandy), sisters Joalene Narans, and Cherie Christensen.

Special thanks to all the caregivers who have come into the home, especially Leigh Anne and Nikki.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 12:00 pm at the Winder Stake Center, 4366 S. 1500 E., Millcreek, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am prior to the service, and the evening before, Sunday, May 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Internment

Memorial Holladay Cemetery

4900 S. Memory Lane

Holladay, Utah