Keith W. Carter

Keith W. Carter died in his home June 18, 2012, of acute myelocytic leukemia. He was in the loving care of his family and friends as he faced death with courage, peace, and acceptance. Keith, the only son and first child of Lawrence "Carney" Carter and Hazel Mulkey Carter, was born on February 25, 1933, in Jennings, Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and also held a Master of Arts in Counseling degree from the University of Denver. He early career years were in public school music and counseling, locally in District 20. Since 1977 Keith served the community of Colorado Springs as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice. One of the greatest joys in his life was working with people, and he wanted the community to know how much he loved his profession and practice. All whose lives were enriched from knowing Keith will remember him as profoundly nurturing, kind, and empathetic; a man who treated others with respect that garnered unmeasurable loyalty. He was also a man of great compassion and courage with a keen intellect that could designate him as the personification of life long learner, always growing, a great searcher of inner truth. In relationships he was sincere and attentive, a gentle man and a gentlemen with impeccable manners and an extraordinary aesthetic appreciation. Keith was a spiritual man, honest, and with remarkable insights. His sense of humor added a refreshing dimension to relationships. Keith's joys outside his professional life included music, theater, cycling, and singing in Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Mens Chorus. His life was also enriched by his membership in First Congregational United Church of Christ. Keith was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by: A daughter, Angela Harrington, her husband, Steve Howard, their son and Keith's grandson, Seth Howard; a son, Steven H. Carter; a sister, Creta Carter Nichols, and her husband, W. Eugene Nichols; two nephews, Scott Nichols and his wife Charmayne, Christopher Nichols, his wife, Andrea, and their children, Carter and Katie; a host of devoted friends. A memorial service in celebration of Keith's life will be held Monday, June 25, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 East Saint Vrain Street, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Keith's name to a charity of the donor's choice or to the following: Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Mens Chorus Rocky Mountain Arts Association 3900 East Mexico Avenue, Suite 700 Denver, CO 80210 or online to: http://rmarts.org Designate: Keith Carter Memorial Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Mens Chorus OR First Congregational United Church of Christ Attn: Keith W. Carter Memorial Fund 20 East Saint Vrain Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903