Richard “Dick” Keene, award winning dairyman and world-renowned dairy cattle judge, passed away peacefully at his home in Gilbertsville, NY on July 25, 2014. Born September 30, 1935 to the late Marjorie (Macumber) and Joseph Keene, Dick spent a lifetime dedicating himself as a Holstein breeder and enthusiast, accredited dairy cattle judge and a friend and ambassador to the dairy and agriculture industries.
After graduating from Cornell University in 1957, Dick worked as a field man and classifier for the National Holstein Association. In 1960 he returned to the home farm with his father Joe and eventually became owner and operator of Keeneland Farm in Gilbertsville, NY. He devoted nearly half a century to breeding and developing many outstanding generations of excellent cows and cow families on the farm. At one point there were five cows in the herd with the Keeneland prefix that had tremendous longevity and each produced over 200,000 lbs. of milk. His careful selection of high typed sires along with his meticulous management skills made Dick one of the most prominent Holstein Breeders in New York State. He and his family enjoyed exhibiting cattle at the local, county and state level for many years. The Keeneland prefix was frequently associated with many Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards. In 1997 a devastating fire at Keeneland Farm resulted in a herd dispersal.
After garnering top honors at the national collegiate dairy judging contest in Waterloo, IA, Dick proceeded to establish himself as a well known, highly respected and distinguished national and international dairy cattle judge. He was the youngest person to ever judge the Holstein Show at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI and is the only person to have judged that show five different times and the Royal Canadian Exposition twice. Dick considered himself privileged to have judged numerous shows across the country and around the world. His personal integrity and honesty as a cattle judge along with his great eye for cattle earned him the distinction of “the greatest judge to enter any show ring, whether it be at the State, National or International level.”
Dick’s dedication, vision, exemplary leadership and passion to the dairy industry were impeccable. He served on the National Holstein Association Board of Directors, as National Holstein Vice President and President. During his years as a National Director, Dick served on the type committee where he was involved in making modifications to the true type model Holstein cow.
Dick’s professional service, guidance and leadership outside of agriculture was impressive and significant as well. Dick was a 50 year member of the Gilbertsville Presbyterian Church, serving as Sunday school teacher, elder and chairman of the board of trustees. In addition he organized an annual golf tournament as a major fundraiser. Dick served on the Board of Directors for the Wilber National Bank, Otsego County Cooperative Extension and Otsego County Farm Bureau; was on the advisory committees of the Otsego County Farm Service Agency and Cornell Ag Advisory Committee; and completed 20 years of service as a school board member. Additionally, Dick was a long time member of the O-H-M and Chenango County Holstein Clubs, Morris Rotary Club.
Dick and his family received the first NY State Governor’s award, recognizing farm families for their excellence and contributions to agriculture. In 1996 he received Cornell University’s Outstanding Alumni Award for his years of service and commitment. In addition, Dick was honored in 2007 with the National Dairy Shrine Award for his distinguished service.
Dick had a strong passion for youth and youth activities and enjoyed helping young people reach their goals and potential. For many years Dick served as organizational leader of the Gilbertsville 4-H Dairy Club and coach of the Otsego County 4-H dairy judging team, resulting in many of his 4-H members placing well at the NY State and National 4-H dairy judging contests.
Dick was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed playing and watching most athletic events and was an avid golfer. One final “talent” that Dick was widely known and admired for, as well as often viewed with equal parts awe and skepticism, was his uncanny ability as a spot-on “water witch” or dowser. He gladly traveled, sometimes great distances, to find water that modern technology often could not find.
Dick is survived by Shirley, his wife of 54 years; five daughters- Laurie Griffen (Steve) of Schuylerville, NY, Beth Keene of Perry, NY, Cathy Buck (Andy) of Skaneateles, NY, Carol Ainslie (Brad) of West Winfield, NY and Becky Ashley (Eric) of Lancaster, PA. Three sisters – Beverly Hay of Gilbertsville, Sandy Stoy (David) of Otego and Elizabeth Emerling (John) of Perry. Dick was especially proud of his 13 grandchildren and enjoyed traveling to see them in all of their numerous activities and accomplishments – Alexandra, William and Luke Griffen; Carrie, Mary, Joe and Lyda Buck; Ellie, Austin, Aidan and Abbie Ainslie; and Karah and Calla Ashley.
Dick was a model citizen for his local community, as well as those surrounding him on the state and national level. He was blessed with a dedicated and supportive family and a circle of friends that extends far and wide. He will be greatly missed.
The family will hold calling hours on Wednesday, July 30 from 5 to 8pm at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris. A service of celebration and remembrance will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Gilbertsville on Thursday, July 31 at 11 am, with a time of fellowship and sharing to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dick’s name to the Church Sanctuary Fund, c/o Gilbertsville First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 314, Gilbertsville, NY 13776 or Holstein Foundation, Attn: Richard Keene Memorial, 1 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or online at holsteinusa.com- online giving to youth education.
