Michael Shane Key

Michael Shane Key (Keystone) walked his last trail, hunted his last elk, sang his last song, and set his last trap November 2, 2023. Micheal was born April 25, 1968 in Grangeville, Idaho to Michael & Linda (Ross) Key. He was the oldest of three children: Sharon & Jason. He attended Sts. Peter & Paul School and graduated from Grangeville High School in 1986.  He continued his education in Twin Falls at The College of Southern Idaho and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1994 with his bachelor’s degree.

He married the love of his life, Darlene Keeler on March 14, 1992. They had three children, Courtney, Chantel, and Garrett.

His love of the outdoors had him helping his brother and Dad with his logging business. He also worked for the Rapid River Fish Hatchery, Slate Creek Ranger Station, and the Nez Perce Tribal Fisheries for the last 30 years. He took so much pride in his work and acquired his fisheries family and friends far and wide.

His hobbies included rafting, fishing, singing and playing guitar; but his passion was hunting and trapping with his son Garrett. Mike was a mountain man who was adamant about caring for the forest and the animals within it. His favorite and most cherished place was the family cabin, however, his man cave was a close second and always occupied by friends and family who came to enjoy the laughter, music, stories and a few drinks.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Mike, mother & father-in-law Edith & Laverne Keeler, brother-in-law, Bill Martin, grandparents Oda & Thedis Key and Coop & Helen Ross.

He is Survived by wife, Darlene, his children: Courtney (Bud) Whitcomb of Summerville, Oregon, Chantel (Jeff) Kaufman of Lewiston, and Garrett (Kaylee) Key of Summerville, Oregon; his mother, Linda Key, sister, Sharon and son Kolten Key and brother Jason (Sheila) Key and their children, Kayla & Jace of Grangeville; grandchildren: Lailyn, Atley and Landrey Whitcomb of Summerville and granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by brothers-in-law; Delvin (Renee), Lonnie (Susan), Jerry (Pam), Donnie (Kristi) and Ricky (Jody) Keeler all of Grangeville, Idaho, and sister-in-law, Kathy Keeler-Martin of Oregon, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

His greatest accomplishments were his three children, his three grandchildren and was looking forward to the new one on the way in December. Mike had touched many lives and will be greatly missed by many! Darlene’s quote that she lived by being married to this great man and best friend, “we interrupt this marriage to bring you hunting season”. In the words of Mike: “Right’s Right and Wrong’s Wrong”. Mike’s last words were always: LATERS!!

There will be a memorial service at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 14th at the Grangeville Christian Church followed by a potluck dinner at the Senior Citizen’s Center. Meat will be provided. In lieu of donations, have a beer with friends and family in memory of Mike.

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