Photo by Jason Russo (HeyMrJason Photography)
Today I received some heartbreaking news. My former boyfriend, Keith Walters, passed away in New York City. We met in Florida twenty years ago when I was 22 and he was 18. For the next two years we lived together in Fort Myers and Bangor, Maine. Keith was truly a beautiful human being — he was bright, talented, funny, and a joy to be around. He was delightful company and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.
I have fond memories of fishing with him off Sanibel Island pier and watching the dolphins playfully swim by. And exploring Maine, which included a crazy ride in white out conditions looking for an elusive moose — two lost Floridians who had no idea how to drive in snow!
And he had the voice of an angel — I loved when he would sing me to sleep at night. He wrote a beautiful song called, “Hole in my heart.” Today, we all have a hole in our hearts with this tragic loss.
I am so honored that we got to share our lives and our love — if only for a brief period of time. Keith will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. My heart goes out to his family back in Gainesville, FL.
To you and to his family our condolences. May he rest in peace.
Oh dear, another light gone out. I’m so sorry Wayne. That he left such an imprint on you from when you were both in full bloom is sweet. And thank you for sharing.
It is always a tragedy when someone vital and good is lost.
My heart and condolences are with all his loved ones.
May he rest in the sweetest of peace.
I am sorry to hear of this loss of someone who does indeed sound so special. You are in my thoughts and prayers Wayne.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Keith’s passing. He was a great friend during my undergrad years and left quite the impression on many here in New York City. It seems like just the other day we were dancing around NYC . . .
I was trying to find out what happened and if there is a memorial service at some point, and my google search led me to this beautiful memorial. I am so sorry for your loss, but happy to hear you are left with such wonderful memories. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
I hate to trouble you, but I am just so confused, as it is so sudden… so tragic. What happened? Could you email me if there is a memorial service?
Sorry to learn of your loss. May your good memories of shared times of joy serve you well in coping with this shock.
*hugs*
What a wonderfully sweet, funny, sensitive guy Keith was. A sad sad loss
I’m very sorry. I only met Keith in April/May 2012 while he was here in Pennsylvania. He became my instant friend we had so many laughs together over our common plight. He was an incredibly warm, compassionate, bright and talented person.
In truth I can’t believe he’s gone. I pray for him and his friends an family. I’ll miss him.
A celebration of Keith’s life on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at 11:00am at Grace United Methodist Church.
Address: 9325 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32606
Kieth touched my life in a really positive way and I’ll miss him and his wonderful laugh and sense of humor and kind heart. It is devastating to lose such a beautiful person. Like Kieth, his parents are amazing, loving people, and I just feel such sadness for them. My heart breaks for them. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to have Kieth as a friend and I’ll always remember him fondly. This is a great loss. I’ll miss you, Kieth.
New York Memorial Service Information – Keith Walters
Keith was taken unexpectedly. He loved life and the people around him that made the everyday seem like the very best. His smile, his singing, his laughter, his innocence and optimism for the good in everyone. He loved acting and singing above all else. On behalf of his parents and sister, we all look forward to sharing many of our favorite memories along with a look back at some of his favorite roles. Come, celebrate Keith and the joyous magic he gave all of us.
“Thanks for the Memories” Tribute to Keith “Daddy K” Walters Concert
4:00pm* – Saturday – July 7
Greenwich House Music School
The Renee Weiler Concert Hall
46 Barrow Street, NY, NY 10001
*A reception following the concert will be hosted at NY SportsMed – Union Square
Warmly,
Brian & Rufus
Note: space is limited. If possible please drop me a note so i can monitor seating.
BrianJDuCharme@me.com
Reply to Adam, Please send me a direct message if you need more details for the tribute concert on Saturday. BrianJDuCharme@me.com
I also got to know Keith earlier this year in Pennsylvania and this news has simply broken my heart. He was a sweet, sweet man and I will miss him terribly. His loss will always serve as a reminder to me of the value of a life taken way too soon.
Keith was always a joy to be around and I always look back fondly at the time we all spent together in Ft. Myers in 1995. I loved that he shared that same passion for the theatre and music that I do. I know that he holds a special place in your heart. My thoughts are with you and his family.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Keith while I was in Pennsylvania. Although our paths crossed just briefly, I found him to be a very sweet, kind, compassionate guy. His passing is sad indeed. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends/family during this difficult time.
Thank you all. The memorial service in New York was quite moving. I am glad I went and saw his family on Saturday. He made quite an impact and touched so many lives.