Keith A. Schwaiger

With deep sorrow and abundant love, we share the passing of Keith Allen Schwaiger, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack on July 3, 2025, in Whitefish, Montana. He was 73 years old.

Keith was born on April 18, 1952, in Glendale, California, to Donald and Dorothea Schwaiger. He married the love of his life, Debbie, nearly 55 years ago, and together they raised two children—Jennifer and Jason—in La Crescenta, California, and Parker, Arizona. Their life was filled with hard work, boating, sporting events, parties in Big Bear, road trips in the motorhome, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Keith was a master electrician—a trade he learned from his Grandpa Burks, whose influence shaped both his skill and his work ethic. He founded Riverland Electric, which grew into a successful business serving clients like Starbucks and Carl’s Jr. After graduating from college, his son Jason joined him in the business and became a master electrician as well. In recent years, Jason, Keith, and his grandson Luke have carried on the family tradition at Electric Montana, where Keith was known for building lasting friendships and strong relationships with everyone he worked alongside.

Keith never met a stranger. Whether it was a client, a server at a restaurant, someone at the gas station, or the guy at the car wash, Keith introduced himself, made sure they knew his name, and made a point to learn theirs—often mispronounced later, but always remembered with affection. He built friendships wherever he went, striking up conversations that started with a handshake and often ended in laughter. Even a classic Keith “butt dial” sometimes turned into a full conversation. He had a gift for turning ordinary moments into genuine connection.

He was also known for being direct—he spoke his mind and didn’t sugarcoat things. And yet, even when he argued with you (which he probably did at some point), his honesty came wrapped in loyalty. You always knew where you stood with Keith—and you always knew you were loved.

Keith was a man who showed up. He helped raise beams, dig ditches, pull tarps off baseball fields, flip burgers at fundraisers and could always be counted on to fix - broken boats, fences, cars, garbage disposals. He traveled across the West in his motorhome with Debbie and their dogs just to sit in the stands and support his grandkids. He was a fixture at their events—coaching, cheering, and introducing himself to fellow fans.

He loved simple traditions. He rarely missed Wednesday night church, and every morning began with two pieces of toast—one for him, one for the dogs, who waited patiently by his side. He also loved Friday night date nights with Debbie and steaks on Sundays. Like his mother Dody, Keith was a lifelong Dodgers fan. One of his last joyful moments came the day before he passed, watching from his recliner with Debbie and the dogs as Clayton Kershaw notched his 3,000th strikeout.

But where he truly shined was for those who called him Papa. There was no greater pride in his life than his grandchildren—and no one, in his eyes, did anything better than they did. Whether it was pitching a baseball, playing football, excelling in school, or working hard, he loved to boast about each of them. He especially cherished the recent time he spent working side-by-side with his grandson Luke, teaching him the electrical trade that had been passed down from Grandpa Burks. And every week, without fail, he sent his signature “Happy Friday” cheers texts—a small but heartfelt tradition that made them feel seen and loved.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his daughter Jennifer Heinrichs (Doug) and children Natalie, Michael, and Michelle of Reno, Nevada; his son Jason Schwaiger (Brigetta) and their children Luke (Mak), Jack (Lauren), Ty, and Vance of Whitefish, Montana; and his sister Karen Harrington -Wedding (Danny) of West Lynn, Oregon. He is also survived by beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothea Schwaiger; his in-laws, Hugh and Betty Myers; and his brother-in-law Doug Harrington.