VETERANS DAY

Sun City West father shares son’s life, loss and legacy

Grant Coffey remembers Marine killed in Afghanistan, finds purpose in helping others

Grant Coffey in his Corte Bella home displays a decorated ceremonial paddle presented to him by fellow Marines who served alongside his late son, Keaton, as a tribute to the young Marine they considered one of their own.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

The photo features Keaton Coffey and his military working-dog handler Denny, a Belgian Malinois.

(Provided by Grant Coffey)

When Grant Coffey dreams about his son, Keaton, he seldom sees the Marine who went to war. He sees a little boy, often at their family home or his grandmother’s house.

“He’s in my dreams as a young kid, almost always,” the Corte Bella resident said.

Keaton Coffey was 22 when he was killed by sniper fire May 24, 2012, in Afghanistan. Fourteen years later, his father is preparing to share not only the Marine’s service but also the life that preceded it — and the grief that followed.

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Sun City West father shares son’s life, loss and legacy

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