Keith Reginald Jensen
Date of birth - May 18, 1932
Date of death - August 1, 2026
Keith Reginald Jensen, 94, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at Hope Village.
Born in Portal, North Dakota, Keith proudly served his country in the United States military before beginning a distinguished career as a teacher and coach. He devoted his life to inspiring generations of students and athletes to work hard, do their very best, and never give up. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and playing field, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra Jensen and Bessie Anderson Jensen; his sister, Joyce Read; and his wife, Caroline Heinz Nelson.
He is survived by his daughters, Keirene Jensen Miller and husband, Bob Miller, and Karyn Jensen Gibbons and husband, Rob Gibbons; his grandchildren, Aaron Josten and husband, Jason Trimbo; Kalee Gibbons; Melissa Gibbons; and Jennifer Gibbons McGann and husband, Kole McGann; his great-grandchildren, Griffin and Kollins McGann; and many former students, athletes, colleagues, and friends.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Hope Village for the kindness and compassionate 
care they provided during Keith's final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Canby Adult Center. All who knew Keith are warmly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA, the Oregon Humane Society, the Molalla Union High School Alumni Association, or the Canby Senior Center.
Keith's message was simple: Work hard. Do your best. Never quit.
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
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With heavy hearts, we share that our Dad, Keith Reginald Jensen, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 1, 2026, at Hope Village.
While our hearts mourn his passing, we are grateful that his final moments were peaceful and that he was surrounded by the compassionate caregivers at Hope Village, who treated him with such kindness, dignity, and respect.
To us, he was Dad. To so many others, he was Coach, Teacher, Mentor, Colleague, and Friend.
Keith was a remarkable man whose life touched countless people. He inspired generations of students and athletes to believe in themselves, work hard, do their very best, and never give up. His encouragement, patience, and unwavering belief in others left a lasting impression that extended far beyond the classroom and the playing field. The many stories that have been shared over the past several weeks are a testament to the extraordinary difference one person can make in the lives of so many.
Our family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers, memories, kind words, and love from former students, athletes, friends, neighbors, and caregivers. Reading your stories has brought us tremendous comfort and has reminded us of the incredible legacy Dad leaves behind. Thank you for surrounding our family with such compassion during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life honoring Keith will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Canby Senior Center. We would be honored to have all whose lives were touched by Keith join us as we celebrate a life of service, dedication, and lasting influence.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor the causes that were closest to Dad's heart. Keith had a deep love for animals, the Molalla community, and the people who welcomed him later in life with friendship and kindness at the Canby Senior Center.
Donations in his memory may be made to the ASPCA, the Oregon Humane Society, the Molalla Union High School Alumni Association, or the Canby Senior Center. Thank you for the lives you changed.
Well done, Coach.
Well done, Teacher.
Well done!