Keith H. Walker

Keith H. Walker passed away peacefully in West Hollywood, CA, Sept. 2, 2024. He was 93 years old. How do you sum up a lifetime of beautiful memories and accomplishments of such a wonderful man in a few short paragraphs? You simply cannot.

Born July 1, 1931, in Delavan, Illinois, Keith had a small-town upbringing, attending local schools, graduating from Delavan Community High School, class of 1949. From his experience as editor of the high school paper he went on to pursue writing. He was the first person in his family to attend college, graduating with a degree in journalism from Northwestern University. Keith went on to serve as a US Navy commissioned officer and following his military service became an on-camera broadcast journalist in Tucson, AZ. Keith later moved to Los Angeles to become a film script writer and later a distinguished public relations executive. Keith attended many prestigious White House Gala's for several Presidents. He will always be remembered by family as the "glamorous" Uncle, who came from humble beginnings, went to a prestigious college, then launched a successful career in the Golden State of California, a world away from central Illinois.

Keith enjoyed spending time with his best friend and longtime partner Robert Jensen. Keith and Robert's annual Christmas Party was not to be missed. Keith loved zipping around town in his red BMW convertible. He enjoyed his work, later engaging alongside Hollywood stars and legends as a top publicist of the golden era of MGM Studios, affording him close personal relationships. He was the nicest and most charming man you would ever want to meet. Keith capped his public relations career traveling the world with nearly 35 years working with the Hyatt Foundation overseeing the annual Pritzker Architecture Prize, the premiere award recognizing contributions of top international architects of the day. The Pritzker Prize has often been called the Nobel Prize of Architecture.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother Thelma Elizabeth H. Walker, father Harry Allen Walker, brother-in-law James Classen, and his best friend of 60 years, business partner and eventual husband Robert W. Jensen. He is survived by his sister Beverly Walker Classen of Hopedale, IL, nephew Donald Classen (Lana) of Pekin, IL, and two nieces Barbara Schomberg (Jerome) of Oostburg, WI, and Linda Anderson (Martin) of Boynton Beach, FL.

Keith penned a beautiful and well-written personal memoir "A Life Begins" (Amazon) which serves as a tribute to a wonderful life of kindness, consideration, hard work and love for all.

Keith will be dearly missed.