Keith Roland Swensen

August 1, 1948 – March 21, 2026

Keith Roland Swensen passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, generosity, and deep connection to family, community, and the many lives he impacted.

Keith was born on August 1, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, to Roland E. Swensen and Winifred Rose Frainey Swensen. An only child, Keith shared a close and lifelong bond with his parents. He spent much of his life in the Portland area, where he built strong roots both personally and professionally.

Keith attended Oregon State University before earning his Juris Doctorate in 1974. He went on to practice law for more than 44 years, building a respected career and lasting partnerships, including Thorpe & Swensen and later Swensen & Gray, where he practiced for over two decades.

In December 1974, Keith married Darla Kofner. Together they shared many years and raised one daughter, Andrea. He was also a grandfather to Olivia, whom he loved very much.

Beyond his professional life, Keith was known for his passion for sports- especially rugby- and his unwavering commitment to youth athletics. He played for many years with the Portland Rugby Club (Pigs) and remained a lifelong supporter of Oregon State athletics. More importantly, he dedicated countless hours to coaching, mentoring, and fundraising for youth sports programs. Whether coaching Little League, supporting high school and collegiate programs, or serving as Athletic Director at St. Clare School, Keith believed deeply in the value of sports in shaping young lives and was tireless in giving back to his community.

Keith also had a love for gardening and took great pride in creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. He found joy in working with his hands and sharing that passion with others.

Proud of his Danish heritage, Keith celebrated it each year with tradition, bringing family and friends together and honoring the culture that meant so much to him.

Keith will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to helping others, and the lasting impact he made on the many people he coached, mentored, and supported throughout his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Swensen; his granddaughter, Olivia Rodocker; and his former wife, Darla Swensen.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Eastmoreland Golf Course. All who knew Keith, or whose lives he touched, are warmly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith’s name to Oregon Youth Sports oregonyouthsports.com