I would say Keith came into our family when he and Mary started dating and later married.........but that's not so.........He was actually considered family long before he married into it.  He lived in the same neighborhood where we all kind of congregated and my brothers just kinda grew on him as he did on them.  He and Mary moved to Portland right after getting married so I did not see much of him or my sister for quite a while (until one of us could afford the flight to go see the other one). I always knew him to be polite and quiet and that my brothers probably hated to see him leave just as much I hated to see my sister leave.  But they were on a new life together. Keith eventually made it back home some years after he and Mary divorced I think, and I would always include him in family get togethers.....because to me, well, he was still family.  There were many good years of family get togethers and such and he came when he could. Sometimes my sister would be here and it was like old times.  We do like our boiled seafood and fried fish (and cold beer) so that would warrant a get together of family and friends.  Well.....when I would introduce Keith it was awkward to say he was my ex brother-in-law because he really wasn't.  So one day at a gathering I was searching for the words to introduce him to someone and I didn't like "ex brother-in-law" so I dubbed him the Outlaw. Well he just kind of chuckled under his breath and I knew he was at least ok with that.  He technically wasn't an in-law anymore but he was still thought about and loved.  So for quite a few years I introduced him as the Outlaw to friends.  I never figured he minded that much and one day he surprised me. He stepped forward and introduced himself as the Outlaw! So that's the way he let me know he was certainly good with it.  In fact he seemed like it made him special (which he was). So when I hear the word "outlaw" my pet name for Keith comes to mind. He was indeed kinda quiet to be sure but he loved life and his kids and grandkids immensely and we loved him as much as he loved us. 

Maya created this picture card for her Grandpa shortly before his passing. Though he never got to see it, we know he would have treasured it.

Keith has been one of the closest friends of my lifetime.  When I was 16 I asked him if I could hang out with him and my brother Burk (his best friend) they both said sure and after that they couldn’t get rid of me.  Keith was my “other brother”  and we shared a sweet connection.  I got to see him every year despite living an entire country apart.  I so loved hearing his sweet “how are you darlin’” and sharing a wonderful hug each time I visited in Mississippi.  We were roommates for a time in our younger days (Mary, Keith, my son Rory, and even Melissa for a short time).  A few years ago he joined my family for a Panama Canal Cruise.  Keith was gentle and kind, and bombastic and wild all wrapped into one.  He was funny, loved music, and adored his family.  He was so proud of his kids and grandkids.  I have always loved the way he (and Mary) put their kids first and remained friends.  They both gave their children the best of both of them.  He was such a loyal and unwavering friend, and without having to say a word helped me through some heartbreaking life events.  And now he has moved on.  It is unimaginable to me what this world will be like without him. Cheers my friend.  I love you ❤️❤️❤️!