Keith LaVon Pope

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Keith LaVon Pope

Keith LaVon Pope was born on an army base in Landstuhl, Germany on January 21, 1953 to Dorothy and Wendell Pope.  A few months later the young family moved back to the United States, eventually settling in Utah.  As the oldest of nine, Keith grew up with a lifelong love of family, education and adventure.  His devotion to family was always foremost in his thoughts and actions.

In 1975, while attending college at Utah State University in Logan, he met his brown-eyed girl, his Suzy Q.  Starting with an Easter Sunday family dinner as a first date, Susan and Keith married eight months later, the beginning of a 48-year partnership. His love of the outdoors took the newlyweds to Salmon, Idaho, where he was a sawyer.  The two then moved to California so that Keith could attend UC Berkeley, where he acquired his law degree. Keith and Suzy always said their greatest accomplishment is their children, Nicholas John and Christina Inez (Hal Griffiths). An amazing, dedicated, kind father, he was constantly involved throughout their lives – as a guide, a supporter, a source, an educator, an audience or anything else that was needed by his kids.

In 1984, the four Popes moved back to Salt Lake City where Keith, over three decades, built an admirable and decorated career as a corporate law and transaction attorney. Most importantly to Keith, he and Suzy, with hard work and love, created a home that is a nurturing place for their kids and a haven for anyone who falls under the umbrella of “the family.” A man of kindness, joviality, intellect and understanding the door is always open.

His generosity with his time and abilities, his humility, the easiness that came with just being around him, his desire to see those he loved succeed, his eye for the goodness in others, made him the type of person we all strive to one day become. He was a loving husband, devoted father, all-star older brother, terrific father-in-law, a friend to all.

There will be a Beer and Bite toast to this great man on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 4 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Please come celebrate the joy of having known Keith L. Pope before we all must bear the emptiness of no longer having his laugh fill our hearts and homes.