Memorial

We mourn the sudden loss of our loving son, brother, grandson and fiance. Justin died tragically from an accident at his home in Soquel on October 5th, 2004.

Born in Eureka, California on June 12, 1979, Justin grew up in his hometown, graduating from Eureka High School in 1997. In high school, he was actively involved in leadership and community service activities. He was a Rhododendron Youth Ambassador, Freshman Class President, Music Commissioner, Student Body President and an EHS representative for the California Distinguished School committee. He initiated the Sophomore Class Christmas tree sale that continues today. He received many academic, leadership and service awards, including the Eureka Chamber of Commerce award for outstanding community service. He was a St. Joseph Hospital volunteer from 1993 to 1997. He earned his Eagle Scout award in 1997. With his love of music and people, he started his own DJ business in 1997, "Electrolight Sound", providing dance music to local schools until 2001. Justin graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2003 with a BS degree in Information Systems Management. With his love of skiing, he became the UCSC Ski Club vice president and financial officer, planning annual ski trips with other UC campuses.

Since his graduation he has been a Public Safety Communications Systems Technician at the Santa Cruz 911 Center. In his short career he was instrumental in achieving the Center's goal of receiving accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies for 911 Centers, the first Center in California to receive the honor. He was also instrumental in implementing a software program that provides immediate medical dispatch response for Santa Cruz County citizens. In July, Justin became engaged to the love of his life, Jodi Burns. Wedding plans were in place for an August 2005 wedding. Justin loved life and lived life to the fullest.

His kindness, enthusiasm for life, sense of fun, positive attitude, personal communication skills and love of people touched everyone he came in contact with. He brought out the best in people. The spirit of his life will live on in all those who knew him.

Justin is survived by his loving parents, Scott and Susan Keele, his devoted sister and brother-in-law Nicole and Orion Musselman; his soul mate and fiance, Jodi Burns and her family; his grandmothers Lillian Lucas and Connie Keele; his Aunts and Uncles, Sharon and Dave Smullin, Larry and Susie Matson, Kathy Ayala, Kristi and Arona Manutai, Tim Lucas and Neil Sims; his best friend and cousin, Craig; and other loving cousins, Bo, Corey, Jerrett, Kate, Michelle, Mark, Gina, Shawnee, Tiare and Josh. He also leaves behind best friend and mentor, Scotty Douglass; close family friends Jim and Becky Lang and many other devoted friends and coworkers. His maternal grandparents, Jane and Gerald Matson and his paternal grandfather, Mervin Keele, preceded him in death.

A scholarship fund is being set up in memory of Justin Keele. Donations may be sent to the Humboldt Area Foundation, PO Box 99, Bayside, California 95524. Please view Justin's Website at www.justinkeele.com. Comments are appreciated.