Keith Kirkland of Memphis, Tennessee passed away on April 29, 2025 at the age of 67. Born in Memphis, Keith lived a life guided by a deep love of family, nature, music and community.

A proud graduate of the University of Memphis, Keith was an avid outdoorsman, conservationist, educator, husband and father. He spent many years managing Outdoors Inc., where he shared his passion for the outdoors and helped foster a spirit of adventure in others. Following his time at Outdoors Inc., he served as the Executive Director of The Wolf River Conservancy where his dedication to conservation left a lasting legacy.

Keith was among the first to navigate and chart the Ghost River section of the Wolf River, blazing a trail through the swamp that has since helped others enjoy this beautiful river. His pioneering efforts and vision helped protect and promote one of the region's most treasured natural areas.

Keith was also known for leading and planning amazing group adventures like the monthly full moon floats on the Wolf River. It was on one such adventure that Keith met his wife, Margaret. Keith cherished his wife and their daughter, Hannah. Together they shared many great adventures.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Welsh Kirkland, and his parents, Billy Joe Kirkland and Miriam Kirkland. He is survived by his daughter, Hannah Kirkland; his brothers, Karl Kirkland and Kerry Kirkland (Kim); his sister, Kim Wolfe (Steve); and his cherished nieces and nephews: Lauren Patterson (Andrew), Matthew Kirkland (Meridith), Brandon Wolfe (Whittney) Brent Wolfe (Ambher) and Brittany Wolfe. He also leaves behind eight great nieces and nephews.

Keith will be remembered for his commitment to family, love of Juke Joints, generosity, campfire storytelling, adventurous spirit, and lifelong commitment to protecting our natural environment. His impact on those who knew him and the landscapes he loved will be felt for generations to come.

A celebration of life service will be held May 29th at the Overton Park Shell beginning at 5:30 pm, a venue very dear to Keith. A deck will be reserved to see the band, Chapparel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Quapaw Canoe Company (Clarksdale, Mississippi) in Keith's honor. Keith was a significant supporter of Quapaw's mission to support and educate low-income children in Clarksdale. Donations may also be made to the Wolf River Conservancy or the Overton Park Shell.

Rest in peace, our sweet father, brother and friend. It's time to rest. You're leaving a gap in Memphis and in all our hearts, but we know you're with Margaret once again.

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most exciting view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end."
-Edward Abbey

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

Published by The Daily Memphian on May 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Kirkland

19 Entries

Lynn Crawford Horton

July 11, 2025

Thinking of you today on your birthday. Love you my friend.

The Blumenfeld family

May 30, 2025

Goodbye old friend, condolences to Hannah and all the family.
Many fond memories of backwoods canoe trips and mountain cabin adventures

John P. Scruggs Jr.

May 9, 2025

To Hannah and Keith's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My father and I were longtime, loyal Keith customers during his Outdoors, Inc. days. and he was my manager at the Union store when I worked there during high school. Keith patiently taught so much to so many - how to properly fit a backpack or pair of hiking boots, the best trails in Big South Fork, the joy of tuning in and listening to WEVL bluegrass on Saturday mornings, and an unmatched enthusiasm for the best of the outdoors in the Mid-South and beyond. Keith was incredibly generous with his knowledge for all the wild spaces and experiences he treasured. His commitment to adventure, endless encouragement of others to seek out new experiences, and legacy of conservation have impacted so many and will continue to influence others for years to come.

Ken Kimble

May 9, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Keith at WRC for a short time. He was a true outdoorsman and a great guy. Condolences to the family.

Michelle Koeppen

May 7, 2025

Keith was such a great guy, met him with my old buddy Charley Hood. Padded many a river with them, probably 30 years ago. I know he will be forever missed by all that knew him.

Thomas Woodley

May 7, 2025

So glad to have experienced Kieth . From his "selling" me the contents of Outdoors Inc to hanging with other friends in his presence. A kind soul that led by example. Continue on your journey .....

Bob Fowlkes

May 6, 2025

Keith was one of the crew who got me involved in rafting 40 years ago and provided a lot of joy and great memories. Was with him across the country on the Gauley, Big South Fork, Ocoee, Westwater Canyon, the Green and several Idaho rivers and they were all memorable. The favorite remains the first trip with Keith and the Georges on an overloaded raft on the BSF where Keith taught me how to ride the gear pile thru a Class IV and the art of "easing into the morning".

Before his illness he never failed to ask me about my wife and daughters and also when we were going on another trip. Wish I could round one more bend with him. Rest easy my friend.

Janice

May 6, 2025

JOSEPHINE MILLER

May 6, 2025

Keith was such a gentleman and I was honored to have met and get to know him..... He always brightened my day with his smile and a compliment. He will be greatly missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Karen Howell Shook

May 6, 2025

I was so very saddened to hear of the passing of Keith. Prayers to all his family and my sincere condolences. Karen Howell Shook

Larry J. Smith

May 6, 2025

I met Keith in the early 1980s and shared a lot of adventures with him. He taught me everything I know about canoeing, and I will think of him every time I paddle. Big South Fork, Wolf River, Shelby Farms, Overton Park and Leatherwood Wilderness all felt his energy and commitment to introducing people to these places. Larry J. Smith

William Butler

May 6, 2025

My sincere condolences to the family.

George Wenzler

May 6, 2025

Keith to me was more than a friend. He was family. I met Keith in the1980´s and we have been friend ever since. The two of us spent a good part of 10 years exploring the wonders of The Big South Fork recreation area in Tennessee. Mountain Biking, paddling and hiking.
Those years shaped who I am today. He became my best friend.
I´ll miss you Keith. Maybe we will meet again on a new river in heaven.

Jerry Gloege

May 6, 2025

Such a good man will be missed by all who know him. Keith joined us on an Idaho Selway trip not long ago. He was a joy to have along. We lunched close to a nice rapid where we took turns dragging the Shredder back upstream so we could partake in running it over again. The viciousness of his dementia was at times sadly apparent. His good buddy George was always close by to protect his friend. Keith was hesitant to join the antics but we managed to talk him into joining the festivities of dragging the Shredder back upstream for a great hoot. RIP our friend from "The Elvis Connection" and thank you for the cherished memories.

Steve Trott

May 6, 2025

Prayers for family and friends! Keith was the epitome of a scout and adventurer. A good man. May he rest in peace.

Janice

May 6, 2025

I will always cherish the memories of paddling the Ocoee, Nantahala,and Ghost Rivers with you and friends!

Janice

May 6, 2025

Linda Evans Lowe

May 5, 2025

Kim and Steve, I´m so sorry to hear of your brothers, brother-in-laws passing. Praying for all of you!!
Linda Evans Lowe

Mike Jones

May 5, 2025

I was fortunate to get to know Keith paddling the Wolf River with he and Margaret and to call him a friend. He touched a lot of people and he will be greatly missed.

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