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Keith Whittingslow Obituary
April 14, 1939 - July 21, 2015
Keith Whittingslow, beloved husband of Pat Whittingslow, died peacefully at Straub Clinic & Hospital in Honolulu, HI on July 21. Keith is survived by his wife Pat of Honolulu; sister-in-law Sharon Simpson and her husband Gary Simpson of Atherton, CA; nephew Clay Simpson and wife Angela, and grandnephews Tanner and Grant Simpson of CO.Keith was born in Hyde, Cheshire, U.K. the only child of Sydney and Gertrude Whittingslow. The family immigrated to the US in 1947, settling in San Francisco.
A lifelong scholar and author, Keith's academic passions were philosophy, poetry and interdisciplinary consciousness. He earned a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine in 1963 from the California College of Podiatry in SF and went on to earn a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies in 1987 from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA. He continued to pursue advanced independent studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies and the University of California Berkeley. He was a prolific author in poetry and prose, including his The Fine Structure Constant: Philosophical Explorations via A Poetics of Consciousness;
Keith was also a highly decorated U.S. Army Captain, serving active duty as Aviator, Medical Rescue and Air Cavalry Helicopter Operations with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Among the many military honors he received were Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Air Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Following his military service, Keith continued his career in the aviation industry working for The Boeing Company, American Eurocopter Corp., and MBB Helicopter Corporation. Keith spent nearly 40 years in aviation eventually becoming President of his own company, VerTrans Aviation Consulting, Inc.
Sparked by over 30 years as a member of the San Francisco Olympic Club "Striders", Keith had a passion for running, competing in marathons and ultra marathons across the U. S. including the Western States 100-Mile Race, the Lake Tahoe 73-Mile Race, the Boston, Honolulu and San Francisco Marathons. He and Pat especially loved the Dipsea Race.
In Keith's memory, contributions may be sent to the Straub Foundation, Straub Clinic & Hospital, Attn: Nina Mullally, 888 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Whittingslow
4 Entries
David Howard
July 10, 2016
I am so saddened to read of Keith's passing. I served with Keith in Vietnam where Keith was one of our Medevac pilots and I was on Battalion Staff with the 326 Medical Battalion, 101st Airborne Divisio. We were good friends during our time together, and I always appreciated Keith's keen wit and sharp sense of humor. Sitting around in the evenings and waxing philosophic was how we passed some of the time, and Keith's intelligence and willingness to engage in spirited discussions made him a key member of our small group. I tried to find Keith in the years after we served, but never had success. It is so sad to find him but only after he is gone. Here is a photo I had of Keith, taken sometime between the summer of 1970 and the summer of 1971 at Camp Eagle, RVN.
David Howard, U.S. Army Retired
[email protected]
August 7, 2015
Dear Pat, we were so sorry to hear of Keith's death. We have many fond memories of the times we spent together. He accomplished so much in his life. We miss you, but look forward to seeing you on the 22nd Aug.
Much love,
Jeanie & Theo Jones
August 2, 2015
The warmth of knowing you shall perpetuate the glow of life within my soul even though my mind might steal away the sun and leave my heart cold and still....in loving memory...pj
July 29, 2015
keith enjoyed playing basketball at Ralph Park.
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