Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators

KEITH J. STEPHAN, SR.

Age 55, of Dorseyville, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Beloved husband of Josie (Blum) Stephan; father of Keith (Peggy) Stephan of London, UK, Neal (Jennifer) Stephan of Boston, MA and Caitlin Stephan of Chicago, IL, grandfather of Liam Stephan and soon to arrive, two new grandchildren.

Keith Stephan owned and operated a salvage yard with his wife Josie. Later, he made a career change into the field of forensic vehicle examination. Keith was an ASE certified cause and origin vehicle theft investigator and owner of Forensic Automotive Services. Keith was known for his in-depth vehicle knowledge and relentless pursuit of detail. His passion for automobiles was fulfilled as a member of the pit crew for a NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Keith was a member of the PAAI since 1995. He was the photographer for the PAAI for several years. He sponsored many of the PAAI annual seminars. Keith always shared his knowledge of vehicles with the PAAI members at various training seminars, in the field and just in conversation. I will always remember Keith for his help and assistance. He was one who would go out of his way, be it “hands on” or with a telephone conversation, to walk you through a portion of your investigation.
 
Even with his “motor vehicle” experience, he was the kind of person who would still “get his hands dirty” at our seminars and training sessions, and not have a “been there, done that” type of attitude. If you stood close enough to him, you were bound to pick up a tip, or some piece of advice. Keith assisted the public authorities with his knowledge. Keith shared his assistance and knowledge regarding vehicle fire investigation. There was not a client to bill his time to; this was not an issue with Keith. Keith was an asset and an irreplaceable resource to our field. 

He had a great sense of humor. I remember the June 2011 PAAI seminar. We were all at the hospitality room. (You know what that means.) Keith conveniently stepped out of the room. He could be seen by some rushing across the parking lot with his hands full of tools. He had air bags, wrenches, a winch, you name it. The tools weighed more than Keith.  He was going to move Ed Statler’s car from one parking space to another. Unfortunately no one in the hospitality room could keep a straight face. Ed, the practical joker himself caught Keith in the act.

We are all truly thankful and definitely better for having known Keith. Keith was a true friend who will never be forgotten, may he rest in peace and watch over us from above. We will miss his energetic spirit, sense of humor and his kind and deeply generous heart. We have all lost a friend, a mentor, a fine Investigator, and, a GOOD man!

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