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KEITH HARRELL Obituary
Keith Douglas HARRELL "DR. ATTITUDE" Keith Douglas Harrell graced this world on December 12, 1955 in Seattle, WA. Born to the union of Wendell and Florence Harrell, Keith was the younger of two siblings. On October 18, 2010 God graced heaven and called him home. Keith's middle name should have been excellence. Keith strived to excel in every endeavor and challenge that came his way. As a child he overcame stuttering to become one of the most sought after Motivational Speakers in the Nation. In high school he led the 1973-74 Garfield High School bulldogs, known as the "superdogs", to an undefeated season and later to become the State Champions. His leadership continued during his college basketball career at Seattle University. He graduated from Seattle University with a BA in Community Service. Keith began his professional career with IBM, where he excelled for 14 years. Keith would often state in his speeches that "he still bled blue". IBM was his launch pad to his profession speaking and writing career and with the assistance of his many mentors and coachs; Keith earned the highest award, CPAE, from the National Speakers Association. In May of this year Keith was diagnosed with cancer. Keith's love of the Lord and his faith in the word of God was never tested during his illness. Keith lived by his own words; he maintained a positive and proactive attitude throughout his battle. His strength and resolve were an inspiration to his entire family. Many of you knew Keith as "Dr. Attitude" or "Mr. Superfantastic", but to his family he was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and dear friend. His generosity to those he loved was evident in his everyday actions. He loved blessing others and we will truly miss him. Keith left to mourn his beloved mother, Florence Harrell, his father Wendell Harrell, his sister Toni Lawrence-Mathis and husband Michael, his only niece, Tania Elliott, Aunts, Uncles, his many cousins and dear family and childhood friends. A memorial service for Keith will be held this Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at The Christian Faith Center, 33645 20th Ave. S., Federal Way, WA at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, our family is asking that donations are made in his name to the American Cancer Society or Loma Linda Medical Center, Proton Radiation Treatment Center.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KEITH HARRELL
Maureen Camillucci
April 28, 2021
Great man...he left a legacy. I was lucky enough to hear him speak. He made a difference in the world....one person at a time. Changing 1 attitude at a time. Godspeed to you man!!
Maureeb Camillucci
April 28, 2021
Great man...he left a legacy. I was lucky enough to hear him speak. He made a difference in the world....one person at a time. Changing 1 attitude at a time. Godspeed to you man!!
Maureeb Camillucci
April 28, 2021
Great man...he left a legacy. I was lucky enough to hear him speak. He made a difference in the world....one person at a time. Changing 1 attitude at a time. Godspeed to you man!!
Lecora Bowen
October 20, 2019
Keith your legacy of love, kindness and compassion will never be forgotten in 10,000 years.
Lecora Bowen
November 20, 2010
Keith helped me get through a tough time after being ill for a long time. His books, videos, tapes, and cards inspired me when there was no inspiration left. Keith as a person was one of the finest men that I've known and I will always have a special place in my heart for him. My condolences to you, Mr. & Mrs. Harrell, Toni and keith's extended family and many friends. Keith was a man of God. Those of us who believe shall see him again. God bless you!
Darrell Andrews
November 8, 2010
Keith you helped to make my speaking career a success. I am glad to know that you were a man of God and now are in heaven with him. Thank you for the many positive deposits you made during your brief time here on earth.
Pamela Darden
November 6, 2010
I attend WCCI, Keith while in the Atlanta often attended church. I thought he was just that Super Fantastic ....He has been promoted to the front office...Pamela Darden My Condolences to the family.
James Ferguson
November 1, 2010
My words are not adequate to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Your son was an inspiration to everyone around him. I am so blessed and lucky to have played with him during the glory days at Garfield!! God bless the Harrell during this diffidult time.
Juanita Sanders-Cribb
October 31, 2010
Words are too inadequate at this time to express my heartfelt sympathy for the Harrell family. Keith was one of my first mentees at the Les Brown Training Institute. We worked for a number of years on the speaking circuit and Keith took me to World Changers Church which I joined because of him. "Keith have a super fantastic eternity my friend." Peace and blessings...
October 31, 2010
keith I will always remember our days at grandmas' you made my childhood great Peanut, luv always
October 31, 2010
I'm a diehard Bulldog,class of 66 and was very active with Garfields Boosters in the 70's and 80's. Keith was largely responsible for Garfields' renaissance academically and athletically.He uplifted a whole community, "the CD". I now reside in Atlanta,GSA.
Vaughn Taplin
Class of 66
[email protected]
vincent jones
October 30, 2010
to Keith's family,
I am grateful were close friends.
I will miss him.
Vincent Jones
Debbie Dala
October 29, 2010
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Keith was and will always be a hero of mine. His message was something I took to heart and it renewed my spirit. I can't help but imagine all the millions of people he made a difference in. Whose lives were enhanced because his vision was pure light. What an amazing, wonderful man and a true blessing to so many.
"Pepe" Bean
October 29, 2010
Never met him personally. However My older sister attended Franklin. I used to go to the games with my sister (she HAD to take me :D ) and I remember those very tough Garfield/Franklin battles. Keith Harrell was the "enemy", he and Jo Jo Rodriguez broke my heart numerous times. I now fondly remember those times and I am blessed to be able to have seen him play. Even though he never knew who I was, I never forgot him. Think about this, is there someone out there that know's YOU but you have no Idea who they are? God bless, R.I.P. "Silk"
John Murphy
October 28, 2010
What an inspiring man! He will leave a wonderful legacy behind in the attitudes of those he changed.
Helene Patterson
October 28, 2010
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your son/brother I had the pleasure of meeting Keith back in Aug of this year at the Harlingen CISD school district kick off and also the year before he is was a great speaker and he will be greatly missed by everyone here God Bless you and your family Helene Patterson
lecora bowen
October 27, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Richardson's
October 27, 2010
Mr and Mrs. Harrell and Ms Toni,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your son/brother.
Ron knew Keith at Seattle U and Through Basketball, I through some Charity works, Our son through reading his books..
He was a kind, caring, amazing soul.
We ran into Toni a few times lately and she was so proud of Keith and his accomplishments.
He lived a life to make u proud as family. May God Watch over you as you grieve the loss.
God Bless...
October 27, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family of Keith Harrell. I the priviledge of meeting Keith at the AACN conference twice. His speeches / writings from his books have been an inspiration to me..
I am saddened at his passing. May his soul rest in peace. God be with his family at this time. From Joan HB- Toronto. Canada
K Beaudry
October 27, 2010
So sorry to hear about Keith's illness and passing. We were colleagues at IBM in Seattle in the 1980's. He had a great sense of humor.
Then years later I stumbled across an article about him in the Wall Street Journal and thought, "Wait I know that guy". Since then I have followed his career.
Very sad that his life was cut short.
October 27, 2010
On Behalf of Evelyn Hendley and her children, Lutrell, Gregory and Stacye, our thoughts are with Wendell, Florence, Toni and the rest of the Seattle Harrell/Bertaux family that is processing the transition of such a tremendous spirit. We stand and pray with you in this season of mourning.
--Evelyn
Gwen Downs
October 27, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Harrell family...Let's celebrate a life well lived and cherish the memories forever....Rest In Peace Keith....
Cindy
October 27, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Harrell family. I had the privilege to hear Keith speak twice at a National Sales Meeting. Not a person left his session without a smile on their face and the phrase "super fantastic" is still being uttered! May the Lords peace be on you, you know you will see him again one day, as will I.
October 26, 2010
I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Keith's loved ones and closest friends. I too have been deeply impacted by the news of Keith's sudden passing. I met Keith at World Changer's Church ATL where he and I were members. On the occasions I had to interact I found him to be the authentic person he portrayed to audiences and in his books. He took interest in everyone and was always so encouraging to me regarding my endeavors. My greatest regret is that I'll never have a chance to get to know Keith better. He has truly inspired me to maximize my God given gifts and talents as he did so that one day I too will hear well done my good and faithful servant ! Well done Keith you ran your race with impeccable class and grace and even though you left us too soon you were a true World Changer who made a mark in the earth that will never be erased! I love you and you will live on in my heart forever! MarCia T.
October 26, 2010
My condolences to the Harrell faimly. Keith and I worked in the same IBM office in Seattle as reps marketing the PC XT 10 mg. hard drive! I recall his great nickname of "Silk". Boy oh boy, Keith was not a "cardboard cutout" to say the least. RIP Keith.
Carol Dmitriev, Omak, Washington
Kristen Burress
October 26, 2010
My condolences to Keith's family. I am a nurse and had the privilege of hearing Keith speak at NTI. His SUPER-FANTASTIC attitude was electric and contagious.
Veronica Worth
October 26, 2010
Blessing and strength to the Harrell family Atlanta Ga WCCI
Arabella Grayson
October 26, 2010
Peace be still. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keith was an amazing spirit. His legacy will live on through the millions of people he's touched throughout his journey. It was truly a blessing to have known and worked with him.
Mark Holmes
October 26, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Gail (Harrell) Buchanan
October 26, 2010
My condolences to Keith's family. I attended school with Keith at Seattle U and was in many of the same classes with him as we shared the same major. I didn't know him too well, but got teased a lot as his little "sister" (despite the different colors of our skin). Keith was always so outgoing and surrounded by friends. I remember envying his easy way with people. I lost touch with him after college but am happy to read that he had a wonderful career and a talent for motivational speaking. What a great legacy. I'm glad my life was touched by Keith's.
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