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David Keyes Obituary
PEORIA - David J. Keyes, 64, formerly of Peoria, went with God on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, after a 13-year fight with leiomyosarcoma. His wife, family, friends, colleagues and fans across the globe surrounded him with love along the way.
Dave was an accomplished musician (bass, vocals and guitar), recording artist and passionate low handicap golfer. He would often sneak his clubs onto the tour bus in a gig bag, so he could play golf all over the world. He was best-known for his gentle soul, winning smile, charming demeanor, determination, quick wit and - well, OK - a spot of stubborn. He was an adventurer with the courage to chase his dreams and worked hard to make them become a reality. Throughout his disease, Dave's selflessness shone. He was always available to assist and counsel others facing the Big "C" diagnosis.
Dave was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, with 8 brothers and sisters, where he met and married his wife, Marilyn Shellenbaum, who would be his best friend for decades. Dave avidly pursued his musical passion, practicing endlessly and performing with various groups, including Chops, The Burnetts, Central Illinois Jazz Society, Jhaptal, Jimmy Binkley and Ed Kaizer. Encouraged by many, including Chris Brubeck, to pursue music on the big stage, Dave and Marilyn moved to New Jersey, where he performed with Bucky & John Pizzarelli, Killer Joe, The Kevin Osbourne Band, Rick Oberson, Early Warning and many others. He toured globally, recording with Annie Haslam and Renaissance, performing on progressive rock stages, including The Quebec Music Festival, Yestival and Cruise to the Edge. He also recorded and performed with Willy DeVille on major European and Scandinavian festival stages, including the Montreux Jazz Festival. When he could no longer perform professionally, he and Marilyn continued to make beautiful music together as "BluesFolk," performing American root music at various local haunts.
Dave and Marilyn left behind their snow shovels, moved to Sarasota, Florida and joined Palm Aire Golf Club last year to enjoy the sunshine.
They look back on these years with the fortune of having many deep friendships to share the joys, the sorrows and the ordinary days of life. It was a good life. He will be greatly missed. He's off to his next adventure.
He is survived by his wife; brothers, Dan (Tara) Keyes, Bill Keyes, Mike (Kathy) Keyes, Kevin Keyes, Tim Keyes, Chris Keyes; and sisters, Lynne Keyes and Mary (Don) Adams; along with 13 loving and adoring nieces, nephews and their families. His legacy will live on in them.
A funeral mass will be at St. Mark Catholic Church in Peoria at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019. Visitation will be from noon until the time of services at the church. Graveside services will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria. A celebration of life will follow at the Knights of Columbus in Peoria from 3 to 8 p.m.
A celebration of Dave's life will be held in New Jersey on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 113 Engle St., Englewood, NJ 07631.
Following is a link to an article in his local New Jersey paper: https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/obituaries/renowned-franklin-lakes-musician-dies-after-long-cancer-fight/771900/.
Music was a big part of Dave's life and it was healing for him. Dave's wife, Marilyn Keyes, is setting up a 501(c)(3) charity to help others heal through music. There will be an opportunity to donate at the KC Hall reception or checks can be mailed to MUSIC HEALS: The David J. Keyes Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 332, Tallevast, FL 34270.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send condolences at www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Keyes
Sponsored by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria.
5 Entries
September 30, 2019
Dave was a great musician. He joined my band Bobs Diner after our first album and lifted us up beyond what we could imagine. I collaberatedwith dave on a few pieces for our new album Radio Face and loved every minute working with him. He was a great musician but what i loved most about him was his wit. He had that great ability to put me in my place with just a few words, and with kindness too. We were performing a concet in westchester county with bella flek the banjoist and after a very difficult concert David vanished. Mark lambert and Kim plainfied found david had climbed up a tree. He said he wouldnt come down untill he was sure the concert was over. We all laughed. David never as far as I know never had an enemy. I am sure that when my fellow band mates read this they will cry as i have. I miss you David and i love you so much. You were an important part of my life and i will never forget you....your friend Bob Smith
Michael Tate
August 12, 2019
Dave was a great human being, musician and the best roommate I ever had on the road. RIP sir and share that music and smile with the good folks in heaven.
Kevin Reynolds
August 11, 2019
Condolences to the Keys Family
Linda Bily
August 9, 2019
I was so sorry to hear about Dave's death. I remember his wonderful smile and being in the Spalding/Academy of Our Lady band with him. Most especially, I remember a short but profoundly impactful chance meeting a year or 2 after our graduation as Dave and I were exiting a concert at Bradley University. Earlier, prior to the concert, I had had a particularly challenging day that left me in a bit of a tail spin and quite discouraged and down. As the crowd was leaving the concert, Dave saw me, gave me one of his hallmark smiles and talked to me. It doesn't sound like much, especially when one considers that Dave could have easily blended in with the crowd and no one would have known the difference. Instead, Dave reached out with an act of kindness which was so incredibly uplifting and affirming that it has stayed with me these 40 plus years. I am thankful to have known Dave. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
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