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Mr. Christopher Bentley "Chris" Keyes
Mr. Christopher Bentley "Chris" Keyes
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Christopher Keyes Obituary
From when he first picked up an instrument at Benet Academy, his love of music is what drove him throughout his life. Christopher graduated from Illinois Benedictine University and Northwestern University for graduate school in music education. He was a band director for over 34 years, of which 31 at Crystal Lake South High School until retiring in 2015.
He was involved in the Crystal Lake Community Band, Cor Corps - McHenry County Area horn ensemble, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band, Let's Dance Big Band and many other music groups.
He touched countless lives with his infectious energy, smile, and endless stories. His spirit and memory will live on through all the lives he impacted.
The family invites donations in Christopher's name to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Friends and family are invited to attend the celebration of life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Daniel Crowe
October 25, 2024
Chris was a neighborhood buddy and high school friend, we used to play touch football in his side yard. He taught me a few Russian phrases, and shared a passion for music. I spent many hours riding shotgun, cruising as he drove his Dodge Charger. Bought a Fender bass guitar from him, which I still have and use.
Karen Moffett
March 20, 2019
To Chris's family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I have only just learned of his passing. I didn't know him well, but I will miss him. He used to visit my students for Blue Lake auditions, and his kindness and enthusiasm inspired many of them to attend the camp. I know he was a devoted son, and he was an inspiring music educator. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Nick Vitacco
November 27, 2018
I always loved hearing star wars music when I passed through the room in high school
Barbara Weber (Markham)
September 22, 2018
Rest easy, Mr. Keyes. Thank you for tesching me a love of music and making me be the best that I could be. I will never forget my time spent learning from you.
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Ann Doemland
September 22, 2018
On behalf of the Northwest Symphony, let me say we will all miss him. Not only did he play with us, but several times he was our substitute conductor for a rehearsal and did an excellent job. Everyone I have talked to remembers him and is saddened to hear of his loss. Hard to believe I will never again see his smiling face. Ann Doemland (President, NSO)
Owen and Luz Wavrinek
September 20, 2018
My only regret is not getting to know Chris. Yes, I met him at Carol's 90th birthday party. But, obviously, there was so much more to know and appreciate. Our condolences to Carol, Robin and the rest of the Keyes family.
Kristin Janus
September 19, 2018
There are teachers... And then there are teachers you will remember when talking to your kids, grandkids and if super lucky great grandkids. I was only in band Jr/Sr years, but got to see Mr. Keyes because of my friends who were in band/orchestra all 4 years and all the musicals we did. Mr. Keyes is one of those teachers you can't forget. Will never forget. He was fun, helpful, snarky without being offensive(well, there was that one time ;) lol), easy to approach, ...well, I think we all know what a great teacher and man he was, and how sorely he will be missed. My prayers to his family, and the vast innumerable amount of people he brought so much joy with his inspiration of music to all the students from musicals, orchestra, marching band, and everyone who got to enjoy his working with the kids.
Amy Hebel
September 19, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss...he was my favorite teacher in high school. He will be missed.
VanNess Chiropractic
September 18, 2018
Chris was a joy to be around and told wonderful stories. He will definitely be missed by us all. Our thoughts are with you and your family Debbie.
September 17, 2018
I knew and played music with Chris for about two years as part of the Let's Dance band at Sun City/Huntley. I shared the duty of playing bass...sometimes me on a keyboard synth, and sometimes Chris on a string bass or bass guitar. He was a whole lot better than I was! I would move back to the percussion section when Chris was running our rehearsals or gigs. I was impressed with his knowledge of our music, the best way to play it, familiarity with all instruments, and his energy and smile. His last gig with us was in May...I knew he was uncomfortable, but he never missed a note. He added a lot to our band and to all of us who may have thought we knew all about music.
Sincerely
Jerry McClellan, Sun City Huntley
Patrick Whalen
September 16, 2018
Chris was an inspiring teacher and a beloved colleague. He will be greatly missed but always remembered.
Patti Nieszel
September 16, 2018
Gone too soon. My condolences to the Keyes family and friends. I will be forever grateful for the inspiration of music he instilled in his students and my children. He was never too busy to stop and say hello. He encouraged everyone to be their best, made the students independent thinkers, was fair, and the sheer number of hours spent at CL South was astonishing, all because he enjoyed what he was doing.
R.I.P. Chris. The Nieszel Family
Erin Cerny
September 16, 2018
Mr Keyes was a terrific teacher and mentor. I will never forget him or the many things he taught me! My prayers to the Keyes family in this difficult time. Thank you for sharing Chris with all of us!!
Trina OReilly
September 16, 2018
Mr. Keyes is the reason my daughter became a music teacher. He made it fun! He made his students want to do well to please him. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Keyes for years as choreographer for the musicals at South, and I truly enjoyed working with him. He really was the best! He was born to be a music teacher! God bless you Mr. Keyes! Thank-you!
Russ Dunn
September 16, 2018
I had quit band before Mr. Keyes came to South HS. I almost returned when he came because he had such a positive attitude and enthusiasm. God bless and rest his soul.
Laura Copp
September 15, 2018
Mr. Keyes shaped countless lives over the years and one in particular, my son Andrew Poticha, followed in his footsteps to become a Music teacher. He was there for Andrew when I was battling cancer years ago. He was an amazing man who took the time to come to Andrews senior recital from college in April of 2017. He will be missed and my heart and prayers are with his family.
Randi Petrakis
September 15, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Oefelein
September 15, 2018
So sorry to hear this sad news. We will keep your family in our prayers
Carl and Sue Oefelein
Howard Green
September 15, 2018
I considered Chris a great friend and a fine musician. He is gone far too soon and it was heartbreaking watching him fight so valiantly to beat this. He will be missed by me, and by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences.
Helen and Dave Lockwood
September 15, 2018
Sorry for your loss, Deb. May God bless and your faith stay strong. Lean on your friends and family for support. You and your family on in our prayers. ~Helen and Dave Lockwood.
Bill, Gina and Nick Walsh
September 15, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with Deb Keyes, her children and extended family. Chris made CLS band the very best!! We were so fortunate to be witness to the amazing students that Chris taught. We will cherish our memories from the Hawaii trip that we helped chaperone. No one could believe that a high school band trip could go there, and yet Chris made this trip possible and everyone absolutely loved it. May God give you strength during this very difficult time and know that the Lord is always there, just like Chris will always be a part of your lives and carried in your hearts forever. With our deepest sympathy,
Nadia Bichri
September 15, 2018
Mr. Keyes will forever be my favourite teacher. He had an incredible ability to inspire and get people to believe in themselves. It beautiful to think that he had such a profound impact on so many lives and tragic to think that he wasn't given time to do more. He may be gone but it's clear from all these messages that his memory will live long and prosper! My condolences to the family, I can't even imagine your loss. Rest in peace Mr. Keyes, you were truly and kind and beautiful soul.
Karen Kugelman
September 15, 2018
Mr Keyes was a great teacher, leader and a good friend to all band members. I kick butt when it was need but he always got results. The students loved him and would do anything for him. To the Keyes family I understand your grief and say a pray for you. I only knew Chris for 4 short years but it made me respect him and his ability to get the band to sound great. He helped my son during his senior year when his brother was killed. Gave him the support that he needed at that time.
Kaitie Konzak
September 15, 2018
My heart goes out to the Keyes family as they go through this. I know Mr Keyes loved his family and friends with everything he had. I found this and thought it would be something he would have loved to see again. Thank you for everything Mr Keyes
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=UBLwHhXPQ5w
Corinne Egan
September 15, 2018
Mr. Keyes was one of my favorite teachers. He did so much for me while I was in high school. He always made time to talk to me and give me advice, he was always someone I could come talk to when I needed it. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace mr. Keyes. And Live Long and Prosper.
Bob Horvath
September 15, 2018
I played with Chris with the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. He was a heck of a horn player and an even better person. My condolences to his family.
Vicki Klingsick
September 15, 2018
My memories of Mr. Keyes always make me smile- wonderful band concerts, coach on the soccer field, great sense of humor, and of course, "Star Trek". Music is prayer without words.
Debra Prendergast
September 15, 2018
My condolences to you and your family and prayers are with you. Your husband, Chris was a amazing, talented and friendly man who so loved his family and friends.
Gloria Mazan
September 14, 2018
Deb, Shannon and Kevin .. you have my deepest sympathies. This is a tough time for all of you and I understand completely what you're going through from personal experience. Please remember he will always be with you in your hearts and in the hearts of so, so many lives he touched. These feelings will never fade. RIP Chris.. May God be with you!
Kelli Ann MacCord-Lotrich
September 14, 2018
I'm so sorry, Debbie. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I remember your husbands love of music was so apparent when meeting him when you both came to see my band at the Hoffman Estates event. Sending love
Dave & Cathy Chernoff
September 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ellen Corey
September 14, 2018
Debbie, I am so sorry. I will always remember when Chris brought the band up to Baden Powell. He shared his talents with so many.
September 14, 2018
Many great memories and life influences. Thank you.
Brian Bradford
September 14, 2018
Heaven must sound amazing right now
Alice Wojcik
September 14, 2018
Deb, Shannon and Kevin - you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful person. Love, Ed and Alice Wojcik
Kelly Brazis
September 14, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Keyes family. I can truly say that Mr Keyes was one of the teachers that made the biggest impact in my high school years. He pushed us to think, work, and grow as not only musicians, but humans. He made a difference in so many lives....thank you for sharing him with all of us music kids.
Joseph Sener
September 14, 2018
We knew Chris as a fine teacher and mentor to our "band geek" kids. He made such of an impact in their lives!
Krista McAdamis
September 14, 2018
Thank you for opening up a world of wonder! You will be missed!
Andrew Hartley
September 14, 2018
Thank you for all of the fond memories and being an awesome teacher. From being your student to briefly playing in the the CLCB along side you, it was a blast every step of the way. Live long and prosper!
Pat Kaminski
September 14, 2018
Chris was a wonderful neighbor for 31 years. We will miss him greatly. Caring thoughts are with you all.
Dianne Darling
September 14, 2018
I am so sad to hear this. Chris was the sweetest guy. I have so many high school & college memories of him. Condolences to his family. Gone way too soon.
Audrey Hilligoss (Lagerstrom)
September 14, 2018
Thank you for being an amazing teacher and mentor and renewing my love for music. #livelongandprosper
Kiyoko Czech
September 14, 2018
Deb, Shannon & Kevin, I am so sorry for your loss. Chris lit up the world with his love of music. He made the difference in the lives of so many, mine included. Sending you hugs and prayers!
Pat Winney
September 14, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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