Keith Wayne Sell 1958 – 2017

Keith Wayne Sell was born on August 19, 1958 to Patricia Behling and Roy Sell in Clinton, Missouri. He was the first child, oldest of three boys and later became a big brother to three beloved sisters. He helped with his brothers and was protective of his younger sisters. Keith was a model son, easy going with a great sense of humor. Keith was smart and confident in himself, not easily swayed by others.

Keith passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on February 9, 2017.

Keith grew up in Missouri and Wisconsin where he graduated from Armstrong High School in Neenah, Wisconsin in 1976. During his last years of high school he apparently didn’t attend some of his classes but did show up for exams, and passed every one. He claimed he was just smarter! After graduating high school he joined the Marines with a friend where he served from 1976 – 1980. He was stationed in Georgia and Southern California. During his time in the military he was trained and worked in cryptography. He continued to use those skills for problem-solving and working outside of the box throughout his career.

In the mid-eighties, Keith married Marrian Sell, took her three sons under his wing and made a family. With his generous heart and typical humor, he imparted on them his passion for computer science, reading and games of all kinds. When his three boys grew into men and started families of their own, Keith fell in love with his grandchildren and doted on them at every opportunity.

Keith and Jennifer Maynard Sell married in 2003 in Pleasanton, CA. Jennifer brought with her a teenage daughter, Sara, and several animals, which he accepted because he knew they were important to her. Keith had always wanted a daughter and grew this new relationship with patience and love. Keith treasured his father/daughter relationship with Sara and enjoyed their conversations, offering sage advice, or just listening. He enjoyed getting to meet and know Sara’s eventual husband, Joshua, and looked forward to the time when they would start a family and make him a grandfather (again).

Keith, as a husband, companion, partner and friend was always thoughtful, loving, patient, generous and kind. He and Jennifer shared many adventures in their travels and life together and were looking forward to many more. His care, joyous smile, easy laughter and strong arms wrapped in a hug will be missed terribly.

Keith’s career spanned several decades in the programming industry. He was well respected not only for his work ethic, but for the way he treated his fellow co-workers and customers. He had the ability to talk to people, to listen and get to the bottom of a problem that needed solving, or to understand what a customer was truly wanting in a program.

He had been called a talented and brilliant programmer by people who worked with him. The only “schooling” he had received was when he worked in crypto in the military and so he was mainly self-taught. Keith called himself a “jack of all trades, master of none.” Rather than being skilled in only one programming language, Keith could program in any language. He had a fundamental understanding of how programming worked and would learn by taking what others had done apart and breaking them down to their basic levels. He never stopped learning throughout his life. There was always something that he was studying or researching.

Keith was deeply loved and will be missed by many extended family and friends.

Keith is survived by his wife, Jennifer Maynard Sell and daughter Sara Maynard Moehle (Joshua); mother Patricia Behling; brothers Paul Sell and David Sell (Christine); sisters Robyn Flanagan (Cody), Stacy McDaniel and Wendy Locher (Carston). Nephews Anthony Sell, Sage, Skyler and niece Savana. Also survived by his first wife, Marrian Sell; sons Simeon Maraspini (Brad Steiner), Santos Maraspini (Samantha) and Solomon Maraspini. Keith has four grandchildren, Sebastian, Madison, Xavier and Amy. He was proceeded in death by his fathers Roy Sell and Allen Behling.

Keith’s wife and family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Memorial for Keith on Saturday, May 27th 1:00pm at UUCWI, 20103 State Route 525, Freeland, Washington. http://uucwi.org/find-us/

This will be a time of remembering Keith; sharing stories, memories and thoughts of the man. We encourage all who knew and loved Keith to attend while understanding that this may not be possible for everyone. An email, RememberKeithSell@gmail.com, has been set up so that those who cannot attend, or any who wish to, can share your memories, thoughts and pictures of Keith. These will be shared at the memorial; though we will also respect your wishes if you prefer they remain private.

Please wear colors in Celebration of Keith’s Life. Light refreshments will be served.

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