Operation Healing Forces recently lost a dear member of its family, Keith Leclerc, who served on the Board of Directors and cared deeply about the people this mission serves. Keith’s steady support, generosity, and belief in this work left a lasting mark on this organization and those within it.

The following words were shared by Operation Healing Forces CEO Kerry Irvin at Keith’s service.

Kind.

Compassionate.

Caring.

Faithful.

Generous.

Mentor.         

Steadfast servant leader.          

Family man.

These are some of the first words our hearts reach for – words that rise naturally – when we speak of Keith.

And I believe that if every person in this church were to offer their own words, many of them would sound just like these.

But even if we filled this space with every beautiful adjective we could summon, we would still fall short of fully describing Keith Leclerc.

Because Keith was more than words.

Keith was a man of action.
A man of impact.

A man who did not just care deeply, but who did something about what he cared for.

Anyone who knew Keith, knew THIS to be true:  His love for God, for his country, and for his family stood above all else.

And yet, his love did not stop at the walls of his home.

It extended outward –

into this community,

into the lives of the underprivileged, –

and especially into the lives of those who wear the uniform of our great nation, and to the family members who stand alongside them.

It was because of that deep sense of duty and compassion that I came to know Keith.

I have the privilege of leading Operation Healing Forces, a national nonprofit founded by Gary and Denise Markel, who count Keith and his incredible wife Peggy among their dearest friends.

When they were assembling a board of directors to help govern a mission dedicated to supporting America’s wounded Special Operations Forces warriors and their families, they turned to someone they trusted, someone whose patriotism was only surpassed by his compassionfor others.

They turned to Keith.

And from that moment on, Keith became not only a board member, but a friend and a mentor to our team – and to me.

Keith was the special kind of leader you hope to find – and the kind you don’t forget once you do.

Some people lead by title. Others lead by example.

Keith led by how he showed up, again and again for the people around him.

He showed up with curiosity.
He showed up with conviction.
With kindness.

With generosity.
And, with courage.

Keith built a powerhouse business that began by selling a few gold chains at a time and he grew that into one of the most respected fine jewelry and diamond businesses in the world.

That origin story still makes me smile – because it speaks to who he was. A humble man with a dream, with perseverance, and a work ethic rooted in values, rather than ego.

Just two days before Keith passed, we sat side by side at an OHF board meeting.

I spoke about the work our team had accomplished, and there he was – part hype man, part businessman – celebrating the team’s impact on a community we both care so deeply about, while also asking thoughtful questions about finances, stewardship, and strategy.

But more than anything else, the questions he asked were always about people –  about our team members, and about the wounded warriors and families we serve.

He consistently returned to wanting to know how we could show up sooner, provide caring support to more community members in need, and remind those we serve that they are NOT alone.

You see, Keith cared deeply about doing things the right way.

But, he cared even more about doing the right thing.

While sitting there preparing for the meeting, Keith talked about Christmas plans – about Peggy, their kids, and ohhhh did he talk about their grandchildren – and when he did, he smiled with his whole being. I hope you’ve all been fortunate enough to experience the light of that smile.  

A friend gently pointed out to me last week that I keep talking about Keith in the present tense.

I hadn’t noticed.

And maybe that’s because it still feels impossible that he’s gone.

He was so fully HERE.
So present.
So engaged.

Operation Healing Forces did not just lose a valued board member. We lost a friend. We lost an advocate and a steadfast ally. 

At our Tampa gala last year, Keith asked if he could say a few words. And of course, I said yes. And I’m so glad I did.

Because Keith did not just speak – he TESTIFIED.

With conviction and heart, he shared his WHY.

He shared his admirationfor those who serve.

His sense of responsibility to help provide support to our nation’s military and their families.

But he went further.

Keith shared that he supported our nation’s special operations forces, those who serve at the Tip of the Spear of our nation’s defense, for a very personal reason.

He believed wholeheartedly that those men and women who are charged with leading the way into dangerous times, territories, and conflicts helped keep his family safe. And his family meant EVERYTHING to him.

He credited those brave men and women, most of whom he had never met, with allowing his family to live with unparalleled freedom, enduring hope, and the quiet peace that so many of us, too easily, take for granted.

When we speak of those who serve at the Tip of the Spear, we speak of individuals who lead with conviction.

Individuals who are the best at what they do.

Individuals who understand that we are stronger when we work together.

People who push forward through challenge,

who see strength in others and help build it,

who live by a compass of integrity, purpose, service, and faith in something greater than themselves.

These are the characteristics of America’s Quiet Professionals.

And those same words, those same qualities, describe Keith.

He lived his life at the Tip of the Spear – for God, for country, for family, for friends, and for community.

He carried his values quietly and with humility, but he lived them without compromise.  

There is a line from scripture that feels written for a life like Keith’s.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the words are simple  – but they are profound:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

If ever there was a life marked by faithfulness – by showing up, by giving generously, by stewarding every gift entrusted to him – it was Keith’s.

His impact was not loud nor glory seeking, but it was lasting.

It lives on in the lives he touched, in the family he so dearly loved, and in the countless ways he showed up for others – often without anyone knowing.

It lives on in the work he believed in,

in the community he strengthened,

and the example he set simply by how he lived each day.

That legacy will continue through his family, and for the special operations community it will live on through his son, Brian, who will step into his father’s seat on our board, carrying forward the same active patriotism and commitment to serving others that defined Keith’s life.

We are all better for having walked part of life’s journey alongside Keith Leclerc.

Better leaders.
Better neighbors.
Better people.

Our lives ARE better because Keith was part of them. And because we knew him, we now carry something forward.

Not just memories, but an example.
Not just gratitude, but responsibility.

And in the way he lived his faith, loved his family, served his country, and showed up for others, he leaves each of us something enduring to carry into the days ahead.

Mission complete, my friend. We have it from here.