Music instructor, veteran, model train enthusiast

Clifford F. Keating died peacefully March 28, surrounded by his family and the music he loved. He was 70.

Cliff was born July 24, 1948. He taught elementary band for 33 years in the Jurupa Unified School District and was named teacher of the year in 2010.

He received the veteran teacher award in 2007 from the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, and taught at the Claremont Community School of Music for more than 40 years.

Mr. Keating was a veteran of the US Army and a member of the US?Military Academy at West Point Band and Brass Quintet. He also performed with several local orchestras.

He received a doctorate degree from the University of La Verne in 1992 and was also a graduate of Indiana and Columbia universities.

He will be remembered for his teaching, his many practical jokes, and love of model trains. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Keating was predeceased by his parents, Frank C. and Lois M. Keating.

He was the beloved husband of Lorene (Ivory) Keating; loving father of Matthew (Jessica) Keating, Sean (Katie) Keating and Mary Elizabeth Keating; loving grandfather of Colette, Fiona, Clara, Declan and Ronan Keating; dear brother of Mary Leta McIntosh and Christopher W. Keating; and uncle of Katie Brayer (David), Christine, Cindy and Dean Keating.

His interment will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 26 at Riverside National Cemetery, at 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at La Verne Heights Presbyterian Church, 1040 Base Line Rd., La Verne.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration at theaftd.org, the Claremont Community School of Music at claremontmusic.org, or La Verne Heights Presbyterian Church by calling (909) 593-1017 for donation instructions.