CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather SportsQCA family wants son's memory to live on in scholarship

QCA family wants son's memory to live on in scholarship

By: Courtney Baker
cbaker@cbs4qc.com

Losing a child is a pain that's almost too much to bare.  One QCA family is trying to cope by helping others.

This past spring, the Keppy family lost their son, Brian, in a tragic accident.  The Davenport West football player and honor student gave his all on and off the field, and the Walcott, IA family doesn't want anyone to forget.

"He was a big leader for his team," mom, Vicki Keppy remembered, "he motivated them."

"He was very kind hearted, he liked to help others," dad, Carl Keppy, said.

But their son, Brian's life, ended all too soon at the age of 21.  His family said he died from an accidental gun shot wound this past May.  It's a pain the family is trying to deal with the best they can.

"It's hard," Vicki explained, "we try to remember the good."

Parents, Carl and Vicki, and brothers, Michael and Nick, said the best way to honor Brian is through a scholarship.

"We feel there's no better way than to help someone get an education and take some of the burden off," Vicki said.

Each year the family wants to recognize a deserving Davenport West student who plays football, a sport Brian loved.

"Several times a year he thanked me for putting him into football," dad, Carl shared.

Brian's younger brother, Nick, hopes the scholarship will encourage players to do their best.  It's a scholarship he thinks his brother would approve.

"I think he would think it's the best way to remember him," Nick said.

To help support the scholarship, contact the Davenport Schools Foundation.