Las Cruces, New Mexico
Poet Keith Charles Wilson died Feb. 10, 2009, at the Mesilla Valley Hospice at 81 years old. He was born in Clovis, N.M., on Dec. 26, 1927. His mother's family came from Washington. D.C., and homesteaded in Fort Sumner in territorial New Mexico in 1906. His mother, Marjorie Valentine Edwards, married his father, Earl Wilson, there.
Keith's loves in life were family, friends, writing and teaching. These all melded into his poetry, musically recording his own histories, our life together, his joys with our children, political, cultural and ecological concerns. Everything in his life became words on the page. He loved music, mysteries, animals, the seas, the desert, camping, movies, food, wine, travel, pens, books and storytelling. He also loved the diversity and cultural richness of his native state.
Keith graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1950 and within that month, received orders to Korea, where he served three tours of duty on various vessels including the Valley Forge and a L.S.T. (which he called a "long slow target.") Keith also attended, UNM where he received his master's degree in English and completed coursework for his Ph.D. He and Heloise, his wife of 51 years, married in Corrales on Feb. 15, 1958, and had a family of four children.
Keith retired from the NMSU English Department in 1987, determined to have more time for his writing. Keith received many outstanding awards for his writings and teaching. "Shaman of the Desert," a compilation of his 40-plus "out of print" books of poetry will soon be released by Clark City Press.
Keith is survived by our four children and their families: Kathy and Walt Fox of Bloomington, Ind.; Kristin and Ryne Palombit of Plainsboro, N.J.; Kevin and Dana Wilson of Las Cruces; Kerrin Wilson of Las Cruces. Our eight grandchildren are: Diana and Daniel Fox; Spencer and Marco Palombit; Jeremiah, Kendra and Kayla Wilson; and James Nance. Keith's sister, Marjorie Ann Russell, lives in Sugarland, Texas; our nephew and his family also live there; and our niece and her family live in Reno, Nev.
Our gratitude goes out to the staff on the sixth floor of MMC and to the staff at Mesilla Valley Hospice. Keith's care was tender and totally considerate. Our family is grateful. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Ave., Las Cruces, N.M. 88005.
A service celebrating Keith's life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. at the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 518 N. Alameda Blvd., Las Cruces, N.M.
Goodbye, my sweet.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces; (575) 527-2222.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Wilson's passing. I always enjoyed time spent with the Wilson family, and Mr. Wilson (as he will always be known to me) wove wonderful stories. His and Mrs. Wilson's relationship always reflected the love and respect they shared with each other. And his love for his children was always apparent. Mr. Wilson leaves a lasting legacy many of us only hope to conceive of.
Julie Melder-Jenkins
March 15, 2009 | Jacksonville, FL
My dear friends,
I am saddened by the loss of Keith. He was the coolest professor I ever had. He believed in my writing more than I did! As an orchestra buddy to Kristin and Kathy along with my family being friends with you all> when we gathered I always felt so loved by Keith. I especially remember when I moved away and the book he gave me to read. That was a life changer and I will be eternally grateful.
Have fun in the cosmic library Keith...
Jackie Waterman
March 04, 2009 | Boulder Creek, CA
My sincere condolences. I was blessed to have known Keith through his daughter Kristin; I met the family the year following their return from Romania. Keith was also my freshman composition professor. I could never have asked for a better, more compassionate, and more understanding inspiration. Thank you for all you did for me and all those whose lives you touched. All my love to the family.
Anne Foltz
February 28, 2009 | Las Cruces, NM
Dear Heloise and family,
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and your family over your loss. I will deeply miss him myself. My best wishes to you and your family as you try to cope without his immediate presence in your lives. Blessed Be.
-- Randal Taylor (Mercedes,Tx)
Randal Taylor
February 27, 2009 | Mercedes, TX
Heloise & family, Words are inadequate to say how we feel for your loss. We had the privilege of meeting & seeing Keith during some of the 54 class reunions at Horatio & to acquire some of his books.Also the weekly email exchanges with you over the years have helped us to feel like we really knew him well . He was an exceptional person & it is our belief that he has just gone on to a better life..We know you will miss him but time passing does help to adjust..Please, Keep in touch. Love...
February 24, 2009
When my wife and I began our move to Las Cruces almost 15 years ago, we were encouraged by many writers back in the Midwest to be sure to look up Keith Wilson. We did. Thus began a friendship with Heloise and Keith, who welcomed us to the Las Cruces community of writers as if we were already old friends. Sherry and I thank you both, Heloise, for your open and warm embrace of us and of the many writers here, who are relative “newcomers.” You have made Las Cruces “home.”
Dick &Sherry Thomas
February 23, 2009 | Las Cruces, NM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed meeting Keith at one of our reunions, and seeing you again.
Neoma Landriault
February 23, 2009 | Texas City, TX
Heloise we are sad that Keith is gone,but your memories of him and what he meant to you, his family and many many friends will over time heal the lonliness. I met Keith one or two times and he impressed me as an outstanding man. May God bless you Heloise and your family. Your friends Peavy and Rachel
Alton Monroe
February 23, 2009 | Highlands, TX
Mr. Wilson,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USN during the Korean War. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Mike Casey
February 23, 2009 | El Paso, TX
