Thanks for the info Mary. Like I said before, Smurf PMed me in July and said he saw Keith in WeHo. I was happy to hear this so it just came as a huge shock to learn that he died in February. Since it was probably someone else, I'm just having a hard time putting eveything together. The shock will wear off though. I'm just expecting Keith to PM me on facebook or call me so we can catch up.
Do you kow if he had a funeral? Was there an obituary?
I'm going to quote a comment by a childhood friend which is posted on Keith's Facebook page. After re-reading this, it seems he was ill on and off with a 'recurring illness'.
Jeff Zucker posted to Keith Relkin
February 13 near Los Angeles, CA
2-12-2012
As you now know, Keith passed away on February 3. His death was a shock
to his family, friends, and the extended community. I met Keith in third grade at
Highlands School, White Plains, NY. We were classmates in Grade school, Jr. High ,and High School. He was our Class President, Valedictorian, and the guy every girl in school had a crush on.
In honor of Keith a Memorial was
held last Saturday, February 11th at The Los Angeles Church of Scientology, an awesome complex and a place where Keith was actively involved, and a vital community member.
The Sanctuary was full to capacity. His Sons George and Adam Spoke for him.
Kay Plasch gave a Eulogy that was very personal. They were good close friends, and
she shared about Keith’s modesty, sense of humor, and his incredible capacity for
insightfulness. We learned through many anecdotes, that Keith’s life was quite full. He was generous with his time, frequently ally to those in need. He was willing to be the one to point out injustice or inequality, and yet he found a way to do so with kindness and understanding. ( If you haven’y yet, read some of his published articles) He found the way to to live a life that was exemplary of being selfless, and without judgement.
Those of us from White Plains, and specifically our class, (1974) will remember Keith as usually being the smartest person in the room. It wasn’t always because of what he said that made this apparent, but often, because of what he did not say, thereby allowing someone else to gain the spot light.
I was re-acquainted with Keith when we had a High School Re-Union a few years ago.
In the lead up to that re-union, I reluctantly joined Facebook, and it was there he greeted me with wit, humor, advice, and some much needed sarcasm. We began a conversation that continued until very recently.
Keith never once mentioned that he was battling a recurring illness. His death was a complete shock to me as it was to all of us, even his closest friends. This was not supposed to happen. My point is that as shocking as his passing is, if he was battling a recurring medical problem, but never brought it up.
Through our conversations these last few years, I learned he was incredibly intuitive. He picked up on things I was dealing with in my life without my ever directly mentioning them. He had an uncanny way of offering insight or encouragement without being invasive. Keith divined my doubts and fears about my skills as a Father, and somehow infused me with confidence. He had a skill with language and words that is rare.
His sentences were short, swift and to the point. If words were footballs Keith was Joe Montana in the Superbowl. Right to the point.... or the heart!
In all his intellectual modesty, Kay shared about the day Keith realized that she was perhaps as well read, and just might be..... his intellectual counter-part. “A Ha...!” , he said with delight... I can use some 4 syllable words here! It began a long and spirited conversation between them. This was clearly understood by the Los Angeles audience. Laughter was mingled with tears, and heads were nodding affirmatively, as she spoke of Keith’s linguistic gifts, his intellectual capacity, and his desire to make this world a better place.
We heard of generosity, of mission, of quests, of travel, and most repeatedly heard of living a purposeful life.
This memorial ended with words and prayer by the Reverend Dan Brown.
We were told Keith left this world “free of debts. He owed us nothing.” His spirit was free to wander as it will. I cannot not claim to be versed in the practice, habits, or principals of Scientology, but I would like to share that the ending prayer was so rational, and light, and liberating, and sensible.... It embraced the idea that all is well. All is well with Keith, all is well with our memories, our hearts, and our spirits. We may all go on in this world, all of us better for having been touched by Keith.
I know that for the brief exchanges I had with Keith these last years, I am a better human being.
Heres Keith’s Wall post to me on December 30 last year......
Seems appropriate to share:
happy B'day Jeff.. hope this year brings the realization of some dreams.. don't forget to dream them.
Keith
Program notes included this from Keith....
Generosity of Spirit
They are the tired
the weak
the fearful
Bring them to the light
They are the lost
the missing
the faded
Bring them to the light
They are the weary of life
and have forgotten
They are nearing the line
but still undecided
Bring them, cast them, lead them
to the light
We are the last of the living
We are the ones who can still give them
We are the awakened, the wise, the willing
And it is us, you, me...
Who must spill and flow and show them
to the light
Keith Relkin
April 2010
Keith I thank you for you light.
You shall be dearly missed.
___________________________
As you can surmise, this guy Jeff is probably into Scientology now.
Scientology...'oh so rational'