Keith A. Vreeland

Keith Vreeland Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Keith A. Vreeland
Start: 2018-10-14T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-10-14T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium in the Walter B. Ford II Building, on the Ford Campus of College for Creative Studies

Keith A. Vreeland

Detroit - Keith A. Vreeland, Detroit, passed away peacefully at his home August 31, 2018 at the age of 80. Loving husband of Marty West for 28 years. Beloved father of the late Keith Vreeland, "KV" and daughter, Cynthia Vreeland and beloved Stepfather of James West. Dear Grandfather of Keith and Alexandra Sharp, Mikayla and Isabella West. Son of the late Walter and Paula (Waits) Vreeland II, and brother of the late Walter Vreeland III, he was born in Tucson, AZ. Keith was a Professor at the College of Creative Studies for 39 years and a Designer at the GM Tech Center before that. Keith was also a well-known professional jazz pianist, an amazing artist and a published author. A Celebration of Keith's life and legacy will be held at Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium in the Walter B. Ford II Building, on the Ford Campus of College for Creative Studies, Midtown Detroit on Sunday, October 14, 2018, 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Musician friends, bring your instruments. Keith was a loving, modest man of many talents who left an impression on everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed by all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Detroit Free Press & The Detroit News on Sep. 23, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Vreeland

10 Entries

Bill McLarney

October 16, 2019

Just learned about this. I don't think it was adequately appreciated, especially by Keith himself, just what a good jazz pianist he was. I remember being with him at the Lighthouse in Laguna Beach, CA in the 70's, listening to Yusef Lateef. There was a raffle and he won a free album - Yusef Lateef's Detroit. He was called up to accept his prize and didn't even mention he was from Detroit. Would probably have been asked to sit in- but always too modest.

Bill McLarney
Franklin, NC

David Wikle

November 4, 2018

Very sorry to hear of Keith's passing. I was also a student of Keith's (CCS '80-'83/'91-'93). Keith was a very kind/patient person and teacher. He was one of the most inspiring artists I've had the fortune to cross paths with. I had certain "aha" moments in Keith's Design Theory classes where I could feel my brain cracking open like an egg and some profound/life changing information seeping in! I was also fortunate enough to have Keith for Senior Portfolio Seminar and still have that portfolio within arm's reach of my desk to this day. Rest in Peace Keith...you will be greatly missed by all!

Tony Ahn

October 15, 2018

So sorry to hear about the passing of this brilliant man! He was one of my favorite teachers during my time at CCS!!!
I still have very fond memories of his Color Theory projects! They required a lot of work but I thoroughly enjoyed them.
I surely will miss him.
May God bless you and rest in Peace!!!

J W

October 11, 2018

One of the most memorable teachers of my life - a brilliant and creative man who challenged me but had nothing but smiles along the way. CCS ID '98

N H

October 9, 2018

I was a student of Keith at CCS back in 94. He was an influential designer and mentor, probably the most important instructor for me during my education. I had not seen or spoken to Mr. Vreeland for 24 years, but over the last weekend he came across my mind. It took me nearly two days to remember his name so to search him up online, then stumbling across this obit, Such an unusual coincidence, guessing he wanted to say goodbye.
I will miss you dearly Keith.

Nothing but love, NMH

Trina Zamponi-Kmiec

October 8, 2018

Keith was one of my favorite professors (CCS79:83). I can still see him thinking deeply, with a hand or both at his chin or mustache, listening intently to my thoughts on an idea. He would then, after much thought, provide a well thought out response and another perspective to explore. He was so much fun and is a favorite CCS memory of mine. Rest in Peace, Keith.

Chad Lockart

October 5, 2018

All of the good things in my professional career track back to this man's classes. Keith is a legend. My hero. The kindest man anyone could ever meet and someone who molded minds and hearts for brighter futures. I can't say enough how his work with me as a student shaped my career to great success and how grateful & humble I am for it. I will always remember his smile and enthusiasm and his gentle honest guidance. Honestly. cL! CCS'99 ID

Loren Stirling

September 24, 2018

I can still hear Keith playing the piano in the ACS auditorium on 3rd Street during lunch... Peace...

Kris Peterson

September 24, 2018

Keith Vreeland was one of the greatest keyboard players Detroit has ever known. Worked with him and it was always a pleasure. What a great guy. I will miss him.

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