Michael Andrew Keith

"If something makes you sad when it ends, it must have been pretty wonderful when it was happening"

Michael Andrew Keith (has left the planet!)

5/22/49 - 5/15/2022

Michael Andrew Keith of San Jose CA and Petaluma CA, passed away on May 15, 2022 after a brief illness. He was 72 years old. Michael was born in Bardstown KY, to Charles E. Keith and Theresia H. Keith. He is the oldest of 5 siblings, including, Vicki L Keith, Brian P. Keith (Nancy), Stacy A. Keith-Catrambone (Mark), and Robin R Keith-McGillicuddy (David). He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Braden P. Keith (Marina), Sean D. McGillicuddy, Ali M. McGillicuddy, Melissa M.Klapp-Whipple (Ben) and is predecease by his nephew Christopher Daniel Keith. Michael came from a very large extensive family (16 aunts and uncles and 45+ cousins) and friends far and wide who loved him dearly. Michael had numerous loves in his life, all of them remaining lifelong friends with him.

Raised in Kentucky until the age of 12, Michael attended St. Gabriel Catholic School, in Louisville. He was active in Boy Scouts and was "famous" for his full-fledged "Tarzan calls each morning on the front porch!" In 1962, the family moved to Petaluma CA, where Michael attended both Kenilworth Jr. High School and Petaluma Senior High School. In the midst of the "60's Michael also lived for a stint, in the Haight Asbury area of San Francisco, engaging in the many wonders of the "Summer of Love" and similar concerts and festivities!!

After working a brief time at Mare Island Shipyard, Michael found his niche of lifelong work, as a Licensed Contractor and Wallpaper Hanger. (Also widely known as the "walldude") He soon moved to the Silicon Valley, where he spent most of his adult life! His work and art are on the ceiling of the San Jose Opera House, as well as residences and businesses throughout CA and the US. He was very active with the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers (NGPP). Michael had a passion for his profession of 50+ years and was known for his work ethic, skill and humor.

With many passions in life, Michael loved to travel. He obtained his open water Scuba Diving Certification and loved Scuba Diving, in places such as Belize, Hawaii and the Bahamas. He also had a love of flying and took flying lessons, as well as jumping out of an airplane. He additionally acted in the role of "Mother Goose," and other roles, in the Petaluma School of Ballet, Nutcraker, and religiously participated in both the Renaissance Faire and the Scottish Games. He was an avid collector of books and unique art.

Michael was best known and loved, for his intelligence, humor, wit, and broad depth of knowledge on many subjects. He lit up a room when he walked in. One of his favorite things in life was long conversations with those he loved and his many lifelong colleagues and friends.

As Michael would say "I'm glad you've all had the opportunity to know me, and I Love You All"