RE Log - Fall 2020

FALL 2020 Ransom Everglades LOG 77 Rodney George Keep ’62 died unex- pectedly last November 19 at his home in Santa Fe, N.M. after battling diabetes and pulmonary illness in recent years. He was 77. He was born in Miami on June 10, 1942, to the late Francine Marie and Sydney George Keep and lived in Coral Gables most of his life. Rodney graduated from Ransom School and attended New Mexico Highlands University. He was a member of the Riviera Country Club, the University Club, Royal Palm and Coral Oaks Tennis Clubs. He was an avid and respected tennis player and often compet- ed in pro-amateur events benefiting chari- table organizations such as the cancer and heart associations. One of his tournament victories resulted in an awarded trip to the French Open in Paris. He also had athletic prowess in other sports – skiing, baseball and even croquet. He loved nature and the serenity of the out of doors. While living in New Mexico, he took numerous car trips throughout the west to take in the majestic scenery and visit small towns with an interesting history. With family, his beloved dog Champagne or alone, he thoroughly enjoyed his exploratory travels. He and his father were owners of SER Distributors and after 26 years in the business, he retired and moved with his family to Santa Fe, remaining there until his death. He is survived by his two sons, Brian and Chris, two grandchildren, Kevin and Taylor, his ex-wife and mother of his children, Elizabeth Gonzales Keep; along with his sister Beatrice Keep Garner, niece Mary Elizabeth Wright (Jeff) and grandniece Sydney Anne Wright. He is predeceased by his oldest son, Kevin; his sister, Francine Keep Hundley; and Miamian Darlene Rae Dodge, whom he met in Santa Fe and was married to until her death from ovarian cancer in 2007. Rodney is missed by a loving family and Steven Blair Dan ’82 passed away on May 13, 2020, at the age of 55 after a valiant two-and-a-half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve was born on Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama to Dr. Lewis R. Dan and Mrs. Carol M. Dan. They soon moved to Miami Shores, where Steve attended Miami Shores Elementary School. For junior and senior high school, Steve attended Ransom Everglades School, where he excelled in track, soccer and making people laugh. During his junior year, he was honored to serve as a congressional page in Washington, D.C., for Representative Bill Lehman. Steve received his BA degree with a major in economics from Boston University and later attended the University of Miami, on a full merit scholarship, to earn his MBA while serving as presi- dent of the Graduate Business Student Association. After graduation, he worked for Anderson Consulting and then Beckman Coulter. During this time, Steve traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept a Smithsonian Face of Innovation award for using information technol- ogy in medicine. Steve continued to work as a computer consultant, software developer and project manager for many companies in Miami including: Systems Consulting Group, Burger King, Ryder and Interval International until his diagnosis in late 2017. At his brother’s wedding, Steve met the love of his life, Sandra Lori Lewis, while they were both graduate students at the University of Miami. They were married in 1992 and for the next 28 years, he succeeded in his goal of making her laugh every day. Steve had a zest for life and was an avid boater, fisherman, snowboarder, skateboarder and surfer. He was a man of action who enjoyed nature, traveling, cooking and working with his hands to fix and build things and was a lifelong Dolphins and Hurricanes fan. Steve was funny, intel- ligent, strong, enthusiastic and kind. He was a quick wit with a funny quip for almost any situation and had an ability to develop and nurture countless lifelong friendships. He was devoted to his family and friends and will forever live on in their hearts. He fought cancer with all of his formidable strength and determination and documented his inspiring fight in an online blog, keeping his friends and family informed while never losing his sense of humor. Steve was truly a one-of-a-kind, exceptional human being. He was prede- ceased by his father, Dr. Lewis R. Dan. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, their two sons, Jaret ’17 and Reese ’19 , his moth- er, Carol, his brother Brian ’76 (Cecilia) and his sister, Lorraine ’79 . A very small private graveside service was held on May 15 due to COVID-19 restrictions. many longtime friends, and continues to leave us with the fond memory of his warm, outgoing, friendly ways and knowing he is reunited with his son, Kevin, in heaven. Robert Davis McDougal ’78 passed away on April 7, 2020, in his home sur- rounded by his loving family. Rob was predeceased by his father, Robert Davis McDougal, III; his daughter, Virginia Ann McDougal; his step-father, Major General Edwin Wales Robertson II (USAF Retired); and his step-mother, Cynthia Stone McDougal. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Dodge McDougal Robertson; his wife of 40 years, Caryn Leinbach McDougal; two daughters, Laura McDougal Klimas (Alex); Kristin McDougal Graham (Austin); grand- daughter, Ariella Grace Klimas; four siblings, Lucretia McDougal Scudder ’70 (Edward); Virginia McDougal Dessaint; Stephanie Robertson Saunders; Christopher Boyd Lemmon ’72 (Gina); and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Rob attended Ransom School and Miami Country Day School. He graduated from Princeton High School in New Jersey and from the University of Central Florida. In 1978 he began work- ing for Culligan Water of Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties, until 1999. Subsequent business endeavors included executive positions at Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group, Palermo Italian Foods LLC, Ferretti Group USA, Allied Marine LLC and Fowler White Burnett. Rob was a leader, loved the business environment, and his work eth- ic was incomparable. He inspired those with whom he worked with his positiv- ity and sports analogies. He was Past President (two terms), Florida Water Quality Association; Past President, Executive Association of Greater Miami; past member of Rotary Club of Miami; Florida Yacht Brokers Association; Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Trustee. Rob was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Parish as a member of the Vestry, a lay reader, usher and a participant in Feed the Homeless. He enjoyed boating, water activities, tennis and all sports. He touched the hearts of everyone he met with his sensitive connection and wonderful smile. He will be most remembered for his Love - his Loyalty - his Laughter - his Integrity - his Stoicism - his Determination.