Devan Keaty, age 23 passed away on June 3, 2016 as the result of a heroin overdose.

He was born in Auburn on September 22, 1992 and was raised in Enumclaw. He attended Enumclaw Christian School, EMS, EHS and Collins. Most recently, he resided in Yelm and was employed at a construction company in which he was proud of the decks he was building. Having 30 days clean, he was filled with new hope for recovery once again. However, the stronghold that heroin has, creeped back in and took his life.

He grew up being active in several sports like t-ball, soccer, wrestling and hockey. He was also a cub scout and was very proud of his trophy for winning the pinewood derby. His favorite things to do were playing his guitar and snowboarding.

He will always be remembered for his sparkling eyes when he would give that genuine boyish smile of his. His fearless personality led him to experiment with pot, then harder drugs, which as commonly does, escalated to meth and heroin. Just one use of heroin was all it took and he was “taken”. No longer having the ability to choose.

He fought hard to find recovery multiple times for the past several years. Having almost 6 months clean and sober two periods in a row, we were hopeful that he would beat this. He had experienced near fatal overdoses multiple times so we also thought that would be enough motivation for him to beat this. However, heroin is way more powerful than anyone who doesn’t “know” can even imagine. It lurks in the corners, waiting for any moment of weakness.

Devan’s family loved him immensely and stood up to fight this battle with him. His Mom is the Co-founder of Battlefield Addiction, a non-profit organization that works with families and recovering addicts. He will never know how powerful he was, how many lives he has already saved, and the many more to be saved through his legacy. If you have a loved one fighting addiction, we urge you to stand up and not keep it a secret. Reach out to Battlefield for help. You must do everything possible to get the right education/tools that are relevant to TODAYS addict. Heroin is a powerful beast and it requires ongoing and intense efforts. This heroin epidemic is taking our kids and crushing families in massive numbers.

“We are devastated that we didn’t win this battle, but thank God our beautiful boy saw us fight like hell for him.” (Mom)

His immediate family that he is survived by is his Mom and Dad, Tim and Angie Keaty of Enumclaw, WA. His sister, Amanda Keaty, who graduates from High School this week. Even until the end, Devan’s huge heart was apparent, especially towards his dear sister. Uncles Frank Ferrari and Tony Ferrari, Aunts Desiree and Tiffany Ferrari from the East Coast. His Grandma Linda Bruhn who was born and raised in Enumclaw and Grandpa Ken Enlow and Frank Ferrari Sr. Also his biological father, half siblings, multiple other grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.

Devan’s Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday 6/16 at 6:30pm at Mt Rainier Christian Church in Enumclaw. It is open to all who loved Devan and family. Plus, all the families who are a part of and/or support Battlefield Addiction.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please support Battlefield Addiction at any U.S. Bank or online at www.battlefieldaddiction.com.