KEYES, Robert

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Robert Keyes was a maverick from Minnesota who became wildly successful in the private banking industry before setting his sights on national and international real estate development. From his humble roots as the son of an electrician in Minneapolis, Robert created a banking empire spanning five states, along with international real estate holdings. From the award-winning Citadel in Pinnacle Peak, Ariz., to the Bank of Santa Fe, to the restoration of the Cashel Palace Hotel in Ireland, the Irishman in Robert was as comfortable with kings as he was with the common man. Above all else, Robert treasured his family and his friends. He was surrounded by his wonderful family including his beloved wife of 54 years, Anita Valor Keyes; his three daughters, Kimberly Sheresky (Jeffrey Sheresky), Karlynn Keyes (Brian Lee) and Kelly Miller (Dr. Ken Miller); his four grandchildren, Regan Lee, Valor Lee, Red Sheresky and Jack Sheresky; his beloved rescue dog, Chaser O'Brien; and Tom Foley, an honorary member of the family. As he looked around the room at his adoring family, he smiled and said, "I am so happy." Those were his final four words. At age 78, this business icon, father and grandfather has now passed the torch to his three daughters and soon to his four grandchildren, as they begin to graduate from college. It will now be up to them to make their mark on the world, the way he did. The Keyes family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and Hospice of the Valley for their extraordinary care. We would also like to thank Father Patrick Farley from Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church. Finally, we would like to encourage everyone to support local humane societies and cancer research organizations. Please visit Legacy.com/Robert E. Keyes to share your memories with the Keyes family. Information provided by survivors.