Celebrating The Life of Jeff Keenan
On May 17th, more than 800 people gathered at the Chateau Fairmont Whistler to celebrate the life of Jeff Keenan. It was an unbelievably beautiful and painful goodbye. There was laughter, tears, heartache and abundant love for Jeff, his family, and friends.
The ceremony lasted over 3 hours, with 17+ people speaking and yet it still didn't feel like enough. There will always be more stories to tell and more love to share.
For those who couldn't be there in person, we share an extended version of the video shown, a slideshow, and images from Jeff's monumental memorial.
Ride in peace, Jeff ❤️
Video by Clayton Larsen
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JEFF KEENAN
April 3, 1980 — March 24, 2025
Jeff Ryan Keenan was a beloved son, brother, partner, father, and friend whose influence reached far beyond the snowboard world he helped shape. Born in Oshawa, Ontario in 1980, Jeff grew up with his brothers, Kris and Brendan, and found his deep connection to the mountains after the family moved to Deep Cove, British Columbia. Mt. Seymour became his playground and the foundation of lifelong friendships.
Fatherhood was Jeff's greatest transformation. Welcoming his son Khyber in 2022, he embraced each day with gentleness, playfulness, and presence.
Together, they explored the world through ocean swims, bike rides, made-up stories, and the safety only a father like Jeff could provide.
Following in the adventurous footsteps of his parents, Sue and "Big Wave Dave," Jeff and Leanne created a life between the mountains and the ocean, splitting time between their home in Whistler and the Salt Water Retreat in Ucluelet. Their dog Keita was their first chapter; now, black lab-shepherd mix Bella remains home, watching over Khyber.
Jeff lived with intention, led with love, and built a life filled with meaning, adventure and heart. He was the steady centre of his family and a light to all who knew him.
Slideshow by Evan Chandler-Soanes
Memorial Photos by Oisin McHugh
Emcee, Chad Chomlack
Honouring Land and Spirit, Jill Fraser w/members of the Q'aLaTKu7eM community
Honouring Land and Spirit, Jill Fraser w/members of the Q'aLaTKu7eM community
Leanne Pelosi
Leanne Pelosi
Brendan Keenan + Jacqui Berg Keenan
Brendan Keenan + Jacqui Berg Keenan
Brendan Keenan + Jacqui Berg Keenan
Deb Callaghan
Matt Standish
Kevin Eng
Paul Bussey
Sean Genovese + Darrah Reid-McLean
Craig Grandfield + Lucas Ouellette
Craig Grandfield + Lucas Ouellette
Robin Van Gyn + Ming Kao
Robin Van Gyn + Ming Kao
Robin Van Gyn + Ming Kao
Marie-France Roy
Marie-France Roy
Elyse Feaver
Chad Chomlack
Clayton Larsen
Clayton Larsen
Spencer O'Brien
Mikee HK
Mikee HK
Kevin Sansalone
Danny Koriath + Matt Heneghan
Danny Koriath + Matt Heneghan
Danny Koriath + Matt Heneghan
Wes Makepeace
Wes Makepeace
Wes Makepeace