HS Friends

Looking back Chris had that something about him. You know that "SOMETHING". Everyone does not have it. We all want it. You cannot buy it or rent it. It is something you are born with. Chris Keith had it! His parents look great together. I looked at this family as a all American family. All blond hair and blue eyed. Vic and Chris always had a smile on their face until they saw one of us looking at their pretty sister Lynn. One of my favorite high school memories was at their home. The class of 1982 homecoming parade float building was a blast! We had a great time. We all wanted to win but, spending time together on this project was the best thing. Chris was there all the time helping. I am proud of the fact that I called Chris Keith a friend. Thank you Chris Keith for that HONOR!

I have many fond memories of a young man with blonde hair and laughter in his eyes that could always light up any room he entered with just a smile. My most cherished memory is when we took the time to build our float for the homecoming parade. As usual, we all ended up at Chris’s house because it was just a wonderful place to gather. Chris’s parents, older brother and little sister have always been delightful people to be around; they, too, are gifted with the ability to make everyone feel “a part of the family”. Mr. and Mrs. Keith shuttled soft drinks and snacks to the garage where we were working on our float. We had many creative souls working on that float, of which the most gifted was Chris. He did not boss or boast but let everyone do their own thing to make our float as original and diversified as it could possibly be. We spent many hours hanging out with the Keith’s working on a project that was set up to make us all have a sense of belonging and pride. We were and still are a diversified yet close group, all coming from different backgrounds. But while we were together at Chris’s home, we were all the same, “The Class of 1982” and Friends Forever. Chris and his family made a lasting impression of love and support to us all. Chris will live forever in all of our hearts.

Our first true opportunity to get to know Chris and his family happened in Germany about 10 years ago. We were invited to tag along with his parents Jean and Jackie on this wonderful adventure. Week one we were housed at the Army Barracks in Stuttgart where Chris and his family resided, we had the 3^rd floor of this remarkable building to ourselves!

We marveled at the way the family would eat, all healthy foods the way they handled life and two very young children, the patience they both had was amazing, they were having the time of their life living and raising their family.

I remember Chris alternating between McKenzie and Ashton as he carried them on his shoulders as we moved up a very steep incline to Neuschwanstein Castle.

That first week they gave us a grand tour of Stuttgart and many surrounding Areas. It was a vacation we will never forget simply because they made us feel like family.

Later on in years, it was Chris who put his own life in jeopardy as he dove into the cold water while on vacation with his family in NC to save the life of a man he did not know. This unselfishness followed Chris wherever he went, he would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it! Sherry and I were honored to have known him.