Banfield Remembered for Generous Spirit by Tracey Koester, ARA Editorial Coordinator When we lose someone on this earthly journey who is in the prime of her life, we are shocked and in disbelief. Of course, we don’t understand. Our hearts are broken.
Adams was one of Keiley’s protégés – one of the youth that Keiley selflessly mentored in the show ring and arena of life. “There was a group of North Carolina kids who attended every junior event because of Keiley,” said Adams. “Keiley had a passion to help juniors become leaders and the future of agriculture through the Red Angus breed. She introduced me to the Red Angus Junior Association of the Carolinas, and then encouraged me to start attending national events such as Round-Up. I was a little hesitant to start, but Keiley reassured me that I would enjoy it. Little did I know, I would truly fall in love with it.” “Keiley was a tremendous supporter of our junior programs and served as a mentor to so many of our young people,” said Junior Programs Coordinator Kim Heller. “She has been instrumental in the growth and success of our pro-
Keiley A. Banfield of Aberdeen, North Carolina, died unexpectedly on April 18, 2018. Keiley was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Sept. 25, 1975. She was the daughter of Elizabeth (Fahey) Branch and James Branch. The family moved to Martha’s Vineyard when she was in first grade. She began riding horses at Pond View Farm and that started her lifelong love of animals. She completed her Bachelor of Science in animal science at the University of Massachusetts.
Such is the case of Keiley Banfield of Aberdeen, North Carolina. Keiley touched the lives of uncountable Red Angus juniors and cattle industry folks through her generous spirit, good nature and unselfish acts. "If you ever crossed paths with Keiley, you never forgot it,” remembered JRA Board Member Madison Adams of West End, North Carolina. “With a laugh that you would never forget, Keiley was a friend to everyone.”
Obituary
grams because she diligently recruited and encouraged young people to get involved.” Heller added, “I've worked in junior programming my entire career. Without a doubt, Keiley was a once-in-a-lifetime supporter that you thank God for bringing into the lives of our young people. She loved them and challenged them like they were her own.” “I'm so thankful that Keiley passed on her passion to me,” said Adams, “and I can only hope to do the same someday. She was the most selfless person I knew. We drove across the country a few times, and it wasn't because Keiley enjoyed driving, but because she wanted to see me go as far as I could and to be the best I could be. Keiley was my second mom and my best friend. I was blessed to have such a close relationship with her." “The Junior Red Angus barns and busses will never be the same without her,” concluded Heller, “but her spirit will always be there because it lives in the hearts of everyone with whom she interacted.” n
42 American Red Angus Magazine n May/June 2018
During the summer of her junior year she met her best friend and future husband, Jeff. After graduation she moved to Aberdeen, North Carolina, to be with Jeff. They worked together every day – either grading, excavating or raising cattle. Their cattle operation, known as JK Red Angus, became her passion. She traveled the country working with countless young people as their mentor. She is survived by her husband Jeff Banfield, her parents Elizabeth and James Branch of Aberdeen, North Carolina, and a sister Jessica Branch of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Memorial donations may be made to the Caring Hearts for Canines, P.O. Box 1219, Southern Pines, NC 28388; or the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation (write “Livestock – Banfield” on the memo line) c/o Keiley Banfield Memorial, NC State University, Campus Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695, to support livestock activities in North Carolina in honor of Keiley.