Keith Halliday

Keith Halliday passed away December 22, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona at 87 years of age. On his final day, he called his daughter to check in, and he had a gathering of some dear friends who came over to enjoy some food and drinks on his patio. They had a wonderful time, told old stories, and laughed a lot. They left in the early evening and very shortly after, he died of natural causes. There is comfort in this last day, as many people who loved him were part of it, all unaware of how special it truly was.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Hank and Cleo Halliday, he was the oldest of 3 boys. Following WWII, Keith's family settled in Del Paso Heights, California. After graduating from Grant Union High School, and attending American River Junior College, he found a summer job with the California Department of Transportation, Engineering Division, in Bakersfield. He also began working part-time for Sears, Roebuck and Co. in the credit department, where his hours and responsibility began to quickly grow, leading him to change his academic focus to business.

Keith accepted a full time job with Sears in Yuba City and married Llana Moorhouse, whom he had met in Sacramento. Keith's only child, Laurie, was born soon after. Keith and Llana would separate amicably in 1964.

Keith left Sears in 1963, and later joined Montgomery Ward's credit organization which took him to Las Vegas, Eugene, and Oakland, where Keith met Nancy Wolfe, the love of his life, and they were married in 1968.

In 1972, Keith and Nancy moved to Los Angeles for a new job with the Carte Blanche Corporation, followed by a move to Pleasanton, CA to work for the Liberty House department store. Due to his savvy negotiation skills with the American Express Corporation while at Liberty House, Keith was offered a job with American Express in Ft. Lauderdale in 1978.

During his time with Amex, Keith's positions led him and Nancy to live in London, Fort Lauderdale, and the Phoenix area, where they would settle. He ultimately became Senior VP and General Manager of the Western Region Operations Center, which later became the American Express Service Center-Phoenix.

While at Amex in Phoenix, Keith was on the Board of Advisors for University of Arizona School of Business, a Dean's Council of 100 member for Arizona State University, Board Member of Valley of the Sun United Way, and member of the Greater Phoenix Leadership.

Keith retired in 1998 after he and Nancy built their retirement home in Fountain Hills, Arizona. He continued consulting activities in his retirement, specializing in executive mentoring and leadership effectiveness. He spent his free time fly fishing, often visiting Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico on fishing expeditions. He was also an avid philanthropist, consistently supporting charitable organizations including the Nature Conservancy and Alaska Raptor Center, and local non-profits such as St Mary's Food Bank, Hospice of the Valley, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Phoenix Rescue Mission, and many others.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, his wife Nancy, and brothers Don and Rick. He is survived by his daughter Laurie (Scott), and grandchildren Ryan (Viviana) and Sierra (Karen). A small graveside service was held for Keith in Scottsdale, where he was laid beside his beloved wife Nancy.