Funeral held for ‘Star Wars’ model maker
Ira Keeler worked for Industrial Light & Magic on many blockbuster movies
By Nick Sestanovich | nsestanovich@thereporter.com |
PUBLISHED: April 28, 2021 at 6:16 p.m. | UPDATED: April 28, 2021 at 7:27 p.m.

In most cases, the sight of scout troopers — the henchmen of the Galactic Empire in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” — at a funeral would be an odd sight. For those who knew Ira Keeler, it made perfect sense.

The Vacaville resident created the designs for the costumes as well as several other props and ships in the “Star Wars” universe and a slew of other blockbuster movies from the ’80s to the early 2000s when he was an employee with Industrial Light & Magic, the special effects division of Lucasfilm. Several family members and co-workers came by Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery Wednesday to pay their respects to Keeler, who died April 15 after a long illness.

The funeral was a tribute to Keeler’s work, complete with scout troopers serving as pallbearers. Steven Coleman, a “Star Wars” fan who met and befriended Keeler a few months ago, said the troopers were members of the Golden Gate Garrison of the 501st Legion, a worldwide “Star Wars” cosplay organization that often takes part in community events.

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https://www.thereporter.com/2021/04/28/funeral-held-for-star-wars-model-maker/