C. Keith Birkenfeld

Dear Keith,
"Blest Be The Tie That Binds." This is all so surreal, but what a beautiful, befitting obituary and legacy for you!!! Our paths crossed every now and then-- first, when my name was Ruthie Draper and we were classmates in the same graduating class of 1956; and then as colleagues/educators for the Bellevue Public Schools when my name was Ruthie Carter. Rest in peace my friend. We shall all meet again. "Blest Be The Tie That Binds".

At Mom's Celebration of Life party two years ago, who should show up but Keith. We chatted for about ten minutes before he went on to Portland for a family reunion of his own. I was so touched that he'd come all the way out to Allyn from Seattle to pay his respects to Mom. She was the secretary for the high school principal, Fred Graham, while we were high school students at BHS. Reading Keith's bio takes all the mystery out of why he'd do that. He was a special man. I was glad to have...

A classmate since Kindergarten in Manette. Always enjoyed visiting with you at the class reunions. I know you are happy in your new adventure. Love

Buddy, it's been a long time since we played together as sub-teens, but I'm very pleased to read of your event filled life. Few of us have packed as much living into a mere 67 years.

Keith, you were a great friend to me in 10th grade. I was a navy kid who was constantly moving to different places every few years. You took the time and effort to help me fit in. I'm really sorry to hear about your passing. Perhaps you'll be my guide, when my turn comes around. GOD BLESS
Harvey Day

I was very surprised and saddened to hear of Mr. Birkenfeld's passing. I had just sent him a little note, about two weeks before his death, to see how he was doing (not knowing that he was so ill) and too bring him up to date on activities of the Eastside Heritage Center (of which he was a member). I first met Mr. Birkenfeld in the mid-90's after becoming a volunteer for the Bellevue Historical Society (now the Eastside Heritage Center). I was doing research on Bellevue Schools, Bellevue...

The members of the Bellevue HS class of 1964 (Barry, Rod, Don and Marijo have already signed in to this site) were especially proud to know Mr. Birkenfeld. While I never had him as a teacher, I will never forget the mock Political Convention and how much we learned. Mr. Birkenfeld never forgot us, remembered our names and consistently joined us in our class reunions, including this past year. I recall him asking me how many of his former students were doing,---he never lost interest in any...

September 20, 2005
I was so shocked to recieve an obiturary from a friend in Bremerton today about Keith's passing. I have known Keith since he was four years old and I was eight. We were next door neighbors in Bremerton. Our mothers were very close friends. I just talked to him last Spring when he was headed from Palm Springs back to Bainbridge Island. He sounded just fine and we had a good talk. Keith was such an interesting person. I always looked forward to hearing from him. I...