Robert A. Keats

I knew Robert ( Bob ) in highschool. We hung out sometime, and I remember that he was very fun to be with, and a really nice guy.

I didn't know Bob well in high school but after graduating from HPHS we both went to the University of Arizona and hung out once we got there. He bought me my first martini (yuck). I stayed in Tucson but he moved to California and we lost touch only to briefly reconnect at a high school reunion a few years ago. He was always a dynamic person and there will be a large hole in the universe now that he's gone. My condolences to his family and friends.

Keats was not only my professor and mentor but a guiding light in my life. The minute I walked into my first class of my Writing career and saw him, I knew that he would be my mentor, little did I know, one of my biggest fans. He cared so dearly for his students. As if we were his own children. Even making sure I was ok and not giving up on my dream while he was undergoing his own battle. I will forever miss you Keats, but I will never forget you. I will never give up because I know that's just how you would want it.

In honor of Robert Keats

Bob was adored by his many writing students, whom he mentored with tremendous enjoyment and dedication. He founded the writing program for film and television at the Academy of Art University, which he ran until the time of his death. Bobs work ethic was legendary; he and a core group of his night-owl faculty took middle of the night phone meetings to work on online courses, and Bob wrote a superhuman number of courses himself. Bob was a brilliant perfectionist and was greatly loved and admired by those of us working alongside him. Genetically and unstoppably funny, Bob would deliver devastatingly funny observations that skewered his subject (often us and our own behavior, which when we saw it through his eyes, our absurdities reduced to a wry one line, cracked us up in any situation,l. The darker and more stressful things became, the funnier Bob could make them seem. The perspective and elegant construction of his humor was one of lifes exquisite pleasures. On behalf of the writing program and the university, I offer to Heidi and Bobs family the overflowing warmth and admiration we felt for this extraordinary man. Thank you for sharing him, We are all better people for having known him.

Keats was loved by all of us who were fortunate enough to meet him (for me, it was in the late '80's). We're all heartbroken, so I can only imagine what you're going through. I also learned of the recent passing of your husband/father ... which breaks my heart even more for you. Sincere condolences to your family, and all who knew and loved Robert Keats.

Gladys,

I share your pain on the loss of Robert.
While I did not know him, I knew him through
you and Sherman.

May his memory be for a blessing

As ever

Howard Mirsky