Keith Knudsen Obituary

Fond memories of Keith, when playing with the Shillings... they would pull up in front of our house in a school bus...when in town of Peru. He inspired me when i was 8 to pick up the drums... and played until i was 50... Thank you Keith for yuor life work and inspiration...

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

I just want to say I miss you and I love you. I always will. You were the most down-to-earth person and the sweetest man. Thank you for your smiles, your music and your little tips on how to get to a concert in a small venue. I enjoyed meeting you. May you rest in peace till we meet again. Keep on smiling.
With❤Love,
CHICAGO

great drummer and a great guy

Keith;

Your in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. you earned it. Thinking of you. Sorry Dad did not live long enough to live it (7/8/2019). He was always proud of you!

Just discovered the 82 Santa Barbara concert. What an incredible show!! Looked up the members on stage to sadly discover 4 are no longer here. All gone too young/soonWhat an incredible drummer who like the others put on a great show.RIP Keith.I keep thinking of the song If Theres a Rock and Roll Heaven by the Righteous Brothers.Best to your family.❤

Live at Wolftrap dvd is so great
You are sadly missed Keith !

It Keeps You Runnin is part of my lifes soundtrack. Thank you.

RIP sweet man

As a non-musical friend in Los Angeles, I knew only Keith the silly, thoughtful friend and great gentleman. Miss your smile forever.

Godspeed Keith, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Keith is lovingly remembered today and every time I hear his music. What a kind person and talented artist he was.

Doobie Bros Fan Club remembering you, today. You are missed.
#TheDoobieBrothersRule
Steve

My band toured with and opened up for the Doobies on the Minute by Minute tour in the U.S. about 1980. All of the guys were rare, extreme gentlemen in the rock n roll world. Keith and i got along great. He was a comrade and a powerful musician. Though our acquaintance was brief i will never forget his friendship to me during our time touring together. God Bless ya mate. Rod Black, Canada.

Thank you for the wonderful music you left behind.

I still enjoy listening to the Southern Pacific numbers Kate and Keith gave to me. As well as all the Doobies that I had. They are all digitized now. The live Farm Aid cuts are still so good to hear and see.

Would have wished to be there for you Kate and Dayna. I sure have good memories of you all. Keith was very special and you all are always in my thoughts.

BTW: Michelle is just finishing her last year of residency for pediatric oncology in NY.

Wish you all the best. If ever in need of anything that I can do just give a holler.

Thinking of you on what would have been your 67th Birthday...So Long!
Dad & Peg, Marcia, Gail, Kevin & Sharon, Kent, Kelly & Sean

I remember having a long and very interesting conversation with Keith many years ago when the DB were on tour. Such a very kind person to know. An exceptional musician as well. RIP Keith. I cherish all of the Doobie Brothers music you made. Nobody compares to the Doobies. You are truly one of the best and will remain in our hearts forever.

It's so lovely to read the continuing messages celebrating and honoring Keith, as well as the blessings and good wishes given to Dayna and me. As long as we have his music, as long as we remember him in our hearts, he lives on. My deepest gratitude to you all.

Keith we still love and miss you. God bless Kate and Dayna.

The best....could not stop watching his finese and energy on the drums don't make them like him anymore

I remember seeing Keith and Doobies at State Fair Park in Milwuakee back in August of 1982. They had an awesome sound that night. He was a part of one of best rock bands ever.

Keith; you are in our thoughts on what would have been your 66th Birthday.
Dad & Peg; Kevin & Sharon; Marcia; Gail; Kent; Kelly & Sean

We miss you, Keith. All the ones who love you the most miss you the most. We in The Doobie Brothers Fan Club miss you as much as you know.

9 years... but we will never forget!

One of the greatest drummers in rock music history. The Doobie Brothers have been my favorite rock band for over 30 years. R.I.P. Mr. Knudsen. You will never be forgotten.

My best memory of Keith is from the winter of 1968/69 in Madison WI. We were neighbors, friends and fellow drummers, both lucky to have gigs. Keith was with Mendelbaum and I was with The Tayles. We both moved to CA around the same time and settled in Sonoma County. My last visit with him was at his home in Mill Valley. He had two matching Mercedes...1 yellow one and 1 green one. The Doobies were working on their 1st album with Michael McDonald. Keith played some of the work tracks for me on a little cassette player while we nibbled cookies his mom had just mailed to him. We would see each other around over the years....even saw him out in Idaho years later when he was touring with Southern Pacific and I was out there touring with Band X.
Anyhow....the best memory.....back to winter in Madison. We had a big snow storm overnight and the next day there was a ton of snow. Around noon, I was heading down to the UWM Union for something to eat. Keith and Mrs. G. were heading out too. Keith was slip-sliding in the snow and he had the biggest, goofiest, happiest grin on his face that I will never forget. Keith......sliding around in the fresh deep snow laughing and grinning....... Those were great, innocent times.

Keith;
Thinking of you on what would have been your 65th Birthday. Love:
Dad & Peg; Kevin & Sharon; Marcia; Gail; Kent; Kelly & Sean

We still miss you, Keith!

one of my all time favorites.could really beat the skins. God bless.Bob jarrell
elberta alabama

Keith; You are in our thoughts on what would have been your 64th Birthday. Love;
Dad & Peg; Kevin & Sharon; Marcia, Gail, Kent, Kelly & Sean

Hard to believe it's been seven years. Keith, I'm sure you are reading what The Doobie Brothers Fan Club members are posting today. We all miss you and are keeping Dayna and Kate in our thoughts and prayer as they miss you the most.

In warm memories of Keith Knudsen
My memory of keith is very different because I never had the chance to meet Keith & had hoped that someday maybe I would. So I could thank him in person.
You see, I wrote a letter to the Doobie Brother's some years back when they came to perform at the Oak Mountain Ampatheatre here in AL. We were not able to make the performance because our son (Justin) was ill. He had Cystic Fibrosis. Since we could not attend the concert, I had hoped to do something special for him.
A very special moment happened when Keith called our house the following morning to tell me not to worry that the group read my letter and an autograph picture was on its way to Justin. He took time from his busy schedule that morning to ask me how Justin was doing. He said he understood first hand what it was like to suffer with pain. He had found out a short time ago he had cancer. He cared enough that day to share with me moments he had to face in his life. It took courage on his part to share how he felt. He told me not to worry that Life has a way of working things out. As long as we were strong enough not to quit or to give up.
Our son Justin took those words to heart & I'm proud to say he followed his dreams & was a professional photographer before he passed away in 2008 at the age of 26. I think of them both everyday & I'm sure Keith is teaching Justin the drums & Justin is showing Keith how much fun it is to be a photographer. Keith here's hoping you never stop singing or playing the drums.
Love, Cookie & Steve

I remember sitting in with The Doobie Brothers as drummer at The Coliseum in North Carolinia, in the 1970's due to the drummer being hospitalized with pneumonia. I don't believe Keith is the same one, but my condolences go out with much appreciation for the great music and legendary style that was phenomenal.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

very tight drummer...perfect for the Doobies sound..being a drummer myself i can truely appreciate his tasteful style..loved the live at wolf trap dvd...now when i watch it,its good they captured him live on such a great concert! Ken Ball....northeast Massachusetts...thanks

I really miss your music Keith. I was always so proud to tell people you were from my home town. I'm was only 3 years younger than you, but you never held that against me.
Keep the seat for me Brother. We'll hook up again.

Keith; Thinking of you on what would have been your 63rd Birthday.
Dad & Peg, Kevin & Sharon, Marcia, Gail, Kent, Kelly & Sean

Today would have been your 63rd birthday. I would have phoned you and teased you about being REALLY old now. Instead I visit your grave and feel sad to have lost you so soon. We miss you and love you.

I remember where I was when President Kennedy died (2nd grade classroom Visalia, CA). I remember exactly where I was when Keith passed, I was driving from Feather Falls Casino to Reno, just finished playing on the Lounge stage,it was a Monday or Tuesday night. Doobies had done a show there the week before, Entertainment Manager let us fudge on our break so we could catch some of the show. Awesome show! I asked Skylark after the show where was Keith? Skylark replied that he was a little under the weather but he'd be back soon. When I got the call from a friend in San Jose with the news, I was shocked. Was a very long drive from Oroville to Reno. Let's you know that when God calls you home, your ticket is already printed. God Bless you Keith, we still miss you.

Hard to believe Keith has been gone all this time. Had the pleasure of meeting him in 1997, and several times after that. What a great guy is was! He really enjoyed his fans, like myself. Miss you when I see the Doobie Brothers in concert. Hope you are enjoying being with Bobby LaKind, once again, up in Heaven!

I heard about Keiths passing in the Doobie Brothers fan club. Cris Simmons told us. What a fine man Keith was and all the DBFC members miss him and think about him often

Steve Adam,s Winston Salem, NC

Six short years ago today I learned that my dear brother has passes away of pneumonia. I had spoken to him only a day or two before. The shock and sadness was overwhelming.

What can you say about a brother like Keith. Growing up with him was quite an experience. He was funny and so, so talented. He left this earth way too soon. I miss him very much.

I knew Keith when we went to school in Hawarden,Iowa we were very good friends. He was a great fellow and we had may fun times. He was always positive about things, he was talented, and I will never forget his great sense of humor. We laughed a lot and I will never forget the sound of his laugh. Glad to see he made it to the big time and sad that he is gone. I wish we could have reconnected in later adult years. I can remember going to his house and seeing this great drum set and walking by his house when was playing them and asking my cousin is that really Keith? yep sure enough...

Keith, I had the privledge of working with you and knowing you as a dear friend. God Bless you. I think about you all the time...Tim McCormick

Nice guy, great drummer, terrible loss............

I think about Keith from time to time. We met on several occassions and though he did not remember me by name he always did recall our previous meetings. Keith, I hope you and John Bonham are Rocking In Heaven Tonight. May God's love be wrapped around both Kate and Dana. };= )

I wanted to leave a word about Keith even though we were not friends. I met Keith while he was on tour with the doobies back in the late 70's. I met him and the rest of the band and they were all very kind and pollite. I was so sad to hear of the families loss and god knows we lost a great musician. God Bless you keith and peace to you and your family.

In our thoughts on what would have been your 62nd Birthday.
Dad & Peg, Kevin & Sharon, Marcia, Gail, Kent and Kelly

Five years…and now a couple of days – I wanted to leave a poignant message on the 5-year anniversary, but I just couldn’t muster the nerve to leave a word… I’ve let you down so bad.. I should have been their when the bus broke down.. I should have done more to help the NVF – well – it’s a new day, and I will let you down no longer… It’s time to do more and be more like you… never like you – nobody ever could – more LIKE you. You will NEVER be forgotten – know that… and although I needed you to be a better man, it’s time to use your influence … do more… do the right things. This will mark the first year that I WILL see the bros. without you – and I will do my very best to enjoy the show, despite saying what you would have done better.. but it’s time… Shad was right – you have to move past… as hard as it has been. Rest assured… you are missed EVERY SINGLE DAY – and always will be. Rest, my friend… I hope to see you some day!

Gosh Keith it has been almost 6 years since we lost you and it seems like yesterday still in so many ways. We talk about you all the time, in fact as late as last night we were talking about a photo of you. We miss your harmony on so many songs, your distinctive drum beat...but mostly we miss your physical prescence. You will always be with us spiritually. Still well up every time I hear "On Every Corner".
Peace, Holly

Geez, Keith, I still talk to you in my head. You left us a few months before I lost my dad, which will always be weird to me. I remember all the times I saw you with the Doobies, then when I finally got to meet you with Southern Pacific, and all the shows I travelled to while you were with them, then back with the Doobies. I found the letter you wrote me in thanks for sending you cookies, and it makes me cry and smile at the same time. I will always hold you in my heart.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences Knudsen Family.May you treasure your memories as they become more precious each weeks and months to come.

Psalms 147:3-He is healing the broken hearted ones; and binding up their painful spots.

Your Family will continue to be in our prayers.

Love watching "live at wolf trap dvd".Have always loved Keith,s style of drumming,sadly missed but destined to live on with the wonderful Doobie Brothers music.

Keith and his family lived right behind me in Princeton also... (Hi Alan Fairchild...
i used to baby sit for you and Kelly!!)
My sister Dixi played drum next to Keith in PHS band.
Keith will be missed forever.. may he rest in peace.
Dawne (Johnson/Goodrum/Chrusciel)
former Princeton resident

If you visit "Guitar Center" in S. F. and take the escalator up to the Drum section on the 2nd floor, Keith's picture is on the wall with other prestigous Drummer's!
I was honored and greatful to see The DB's many times since the seventies and attended Keith's first wedding to Tracy. Keith was friends with my sister for many years and Keith was friends with her first husband (who joined the DB's). And as life went on (and everything changes) we all still come to see the DB's with our kids (who have become musicians)! There is a piece of history missing, KEITH!

Thanks to all the great memories, with lots of emotions.....

To the Family and Friends,
I just caught an old Dobbie Brothers concert on Direct TV today and was watching Keith and the rest of the band. To this day I still remember the Doobies as one of the first bands that I ever saw play live in concert back in the early 70's. Keith brought so much joy to all of us and he is missed this day.
Happy trails on your journey within the Cosmos Keith. You are very much loved.

To Keith's family: I never met Keith, but I wanted you to know that he was a major influence to me in my development as a professional drummer. Can't help thinking of him every time I pick up my sticks.

Still love and miss you!

xoxoxo

Saw the Dobbies at Evansville, Indiana last night and just wasn't the same without Keith on the drums. Still a classic concert.

I would like to share a scripture of hope with the family, Rev.21:4 "And he will wipe out every tear form their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

Keith we still miss you and we still keep Kate, Dayna, and the Knudsen family in our prayers. I hope you and John Bonham are the 2 drummers in Heaven's band of angels

I was first introduced to keith's drumming when he was with lee Michaels and I was totally blown away. He was a truly great artist and singer. His vocal bckings with the Doobie brothers really helped make their sound. It is truly hard to believe he is gone for four years. I am watching the Doobies Live at Wolf Trap as I write this.
RIP Keith.

can it really be over 4 years since Keith left us? How time flies. I am 50 this year - i first got turned onto the Doobies in the early seventies and have been a fan ever since. I only got to see them once (in England) in the late 90's. I greatly admired Keith's tasteful approach to drumming - just enough to let the song "breathe". I've been playing the drums since I was 11 and have to cite Keith as one of my major influences. God bless you Keith. rest in peace. your work lives on.

happy birthday to a truly great yet humble man! your kindness lives on. i'm sure you paid it forward.

Kieth was a great drummer and a wonderful human being. I have followed him and seen him live many, many times since the early seventies.I was fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times. He will not be forgotten, at least not in my mind!

I am so sorry to just now find out that Keith has passed. My name is Alan Fairchild and I grew up in Princeton and have for many years been able to say that the famous Keith Knudson's family lived right behind me. His sister Kelly was a good friend of my sister Kelly. All my best wishes to Keith's family and friends. Time will pass and the hurt will fade, but his memories will never fade and will continue to bring joy to everyone.

Rest in Peace Keith.
The Doobie Brothers music was a very important part of my growing up years. You were part of creating something that will always last. It's just sad that we don't always last in this state of existence. But, there is a greater reality just beyond. Thanks friend, Even though I never met you, I still call you friend.
My prayers for your family...Remember him with a smile.

Hey Keith - I believe these messages find you somehow and want to extend to you my deep appreciation of your tasteful, understated drumming. There was and still is beautiful wisdom in your style. Thank you and very best regards to your loved ones this evening.

I'm sorry to hear about your loved one, I would love to share a scripture to the family at John11:25 Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life, he that exercises faith in me even though he dies, will come to life.

Keith,
I discovered only yesterday, with deep sorrow, that you left us three years ago. I traveled on the Minute by Minute tour for a couple of legs in 1979. I worked on the merchandising crew. You were always so kind to me. The last time I saw you was in Austin at Austin City Limits with Southern Pacific in 1987. We briefly spoke. I will always hold you in a special place in my heart. The world is emptier without you. Many blessings, Keith.

Keith; Thinking of you on what would have been your 60th Birthday.Your siblings, Kevin & Sharon, Kelly, Kent, Gail, and Marcia

happy birthday, keith. wherever you are, doing whatever it is, i know you're having a great time. thank you for the music and insights. peace to your loved ones.

Kate and Dayna, our best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know all too well how hard this time of year can be after you've lost someone. Hang in, stay strong, you are in the thoughts of many.

Nick

Keith was the very first famous person I ever met. I was born and raised in Princeton, but never met him until he moved away and got famous. A mutual friend introduced us when he came back for a city celebration in the early 80's. That day has lived in my memory as the best day ever in Princeton!
I have always been proud to tell others that Keith was from Princeton and that I had been fortunate enough to meet him and have my pic taken with him!
As always I am still very proud of Keith! I know he is on the other side partying on with that Rock band of all UNIVERSES and TIME! Have fun Keith! We miss you!

Pete, thanks for the opportunity you gave me to meet Keith!

To Keith's family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Keith is happy, healthy and doing what he loves best now.

And so Keith was calling the house to talk to my husband at the time, Bill Mensch - a junior/senior high school friend from Princeton Illinois, and there I am asking Keith "what a doobie was" and "are you really all brothers"? But, hey, what can you expect from a gal who listened to Barry Manilow, John Denver and Andy Williams?!?!?! Keith went out to dinner with us and then had us back stage at the concert. I didn't think I knew any DB stuff. . .but as they played song after song I kept turning to the hubby exclaiming, "I didn't know THAT was a DB song!!!" Bill and I got to spend some time with Keith and Kate at their home in Sonoma. Kate, you are my rock. . .you showed me what incredible true love is. Hope all is well for you and Dana.

In September 29, 1996, I took a train from San Jose to San Francisco thinking to meet with Tom Johnston at Virgin Records. The Doobie Brothers were one of my first favorites bands back in the early seventies. While I entered to the megastore, somebody told me that Tom was not going to be there due to personal reasons. The main table was still empty but I saw your drumset on a side. In the meantime I bought the double CD Rockin' Down The Highway (The Wildlife Concert), which you guys were promoting at that time. In a sudden you appeared in front of us. I was right there and approached you. When I told you I was from Lima, Peru, you were very surprised. You signed my CD and a poster. I also requested a picture. And when somebody took the picture for me, you asked for another one "just in case the first one doesn't come out good enough". It was smart. Now I have two pictures with you, Keith. Less than a month ago I saw the Doobies for the very first time, and even if you were not playing there, I know your spirit was. Thank you for the music.

As long as Doobie music is playing, I'll remember what a wonderful and kind man you were, how gracious you were to your many fans and how devoted you were to your family.

Keith was a heck of a guy. I remeber working with him and the band around'80 and he was so helpful and sweet.His passion for the comaraderie of the band was awesome. The Doobies really were brothers. My experience was one of the best in my Life.
RIP, Keith

Keithy,

You're the man. Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye.

all\'insegna della stravaganza musicale ma con tanto mestiere alle spalle si e\' tenuta stasera la performance dal vivo alla libreria Bibli di Roma di Alessandro Maugeri coadiuvato dalla bella Charmelle,chanteuse gabonese che ha tralaltro cantato e recitato brani in lingua del suo paese ma anche in italiano.con loro c\'era pure un giovane e promettente percussionista del Togo.emozioni multietniche e attimi intimisti.val la pena di seguire i passi del duo.
P.M.

gentilmente chiedo questo spazio per segnalare un artista di raro talento che merita visibilita'.SEBA CHARMELLE e' certamente la piu' grande artista del GABON.nel suo cd di esordio "MU DOGHA TEI" si respirano nuovi ritmi e sonorita:imperdibile!io di CHARMELLE mi sono perdutamente innamorato in tutti i sensi:TI AMO CHARMELLE!tuo per sempre Ale.

I never met Keith or seen him perform live with the Doobies or Southern Pacific,but I sure admired his playing skills[he was great!!!] Im very sorry hes not with us anymore. Music has suffered a big loss.

I just found this guest book for the first time. My sincere condolences to Keith's family...a little after the fact, unfortunately. Of the few times I met and spoke with Keith, he has stuck in my mind as perhaps the earthiest, most hospitable personality I've run across in the world of music. In an industry filled with aloofness and uncensored self-aggrandizement, Keith was a refreshing and very memorable exception. His vast skills as a musician and his warm-hearted demeanor will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered. God be with Keith and his family.

Your still remembered as I play your music tonight. Stampede is my favorite album but I love them all and of course have them all.

I can't say that my first experience with Keith lasted any longer than a moment or two. One summer afternoon in the late 60's I saw this curious, tall, lanky character walking from the Bureau County fairgrounds with a friend of mine's cute blonde sister. Why this fleeting image remains indelibly etched in my mind 30+ years later is beyond me. I don't recall who I was with at the time but I learned that this curious individual was Keith Knudsen. That was the closest I came to having a personal experience with Keith, other than attending several memorable Doobie Brothers concerts. After that first experience I followed his career with Lee Michaels and then with the Doobies. I admired his success. I knew of his family and was acquainted years ago with his younger brother Kevin. I'm shocked and stunned as I write these comments because I did not know he had passed until just a few minutes ago, when I was reading a link from the Princeton Il web page. I have read over several of the entries in the guest book. I feel the grief of his parting and yet paradoxically I am encouraged to hear how he affected so many lives. To the immediate and extended family and close friends I offer my heartfelt condolence. From the entries that I read he obviously had a positive impact on many people. Over the next few days I think I will be getting out my Doobie Brothers cd's and listening to Keith. Sincerely.

Keith
you found the platinum rainbow. I had the privalige to open for Southern Pacific and have some great picts of you and the group back stage. Your insperation has keep me plying still. I know that god must have needed a drummer.

thank you

Keith;
Thinking of you on your 59th Birthday 2-18-1948.
Love...Brothers Kevin & Kent, Sisters Marcia, Gail & Kelly,
Dad & Peg, Sisterinlaw Sharon

I will never forget the Doobies * Farewell concert * in 1982 when Keith left his drum set to Michael Hossack and grabbed a microphone and start singing away.You could tell that he was having a great time.The band has always been amazing and still is but Keith seems to be like the dynamo,that kind of spark that would stretch the end of a show into an everlasting wonderful experience. I just realised after reading some of the words on this site how much Keith was a really down to earth person.For some reasons,it was not a surprising thing to hear.I am sure there must be a superb band way up putting on another great show or creating many very good songs.Keep on drummin' Keith...they need ya ! P.S. My best regards to your little family.

Dearest Kate, This is another sad day without Keith around for all his wonderfulness. I'm so glad we are close friends and have each other to know the guy that was such a great husband to you, dad for Dayna and good friend for me. What a love he will always be.

I happened upon this web site and felt compelled to write. I have been a Doobie Brothers fan since the begining. I am in a local band in Richmond called Focal Point and we do a bunch of Doobie songs. We love the music and have always admired the two drummer lineup!

I just bought the Wolftrap Live DVD and I loved the interviews, especially the one from Keith. I loved the part when he described how band members would bring up an idea of some type. He then described how it was when your idea was, well, not so good...that was a hoot!

I always liked Keith's drumming and singing and I always enjoyed seeing him and the band play live. The work Keith did for organizations like the National Veterans Foundation is noted and in my opinion, is a great part of his legacy.

God's speed Keith, hope to see you in heaven one day...You are missed!

Will

I have taken up playing drums in your honor. I am 42 years old and feel it an honor to sign this guest book. God bless you and your entire posterity, my friend!

Keith..I met you back in the 80's..Edmonton Alberta..you with Southern Pacific..I was light tech soon to be drummer with the band I was working with. I remember approaching you,not knowing what to expect,introduced myself,and spent the next twenty minutes or so talking to you. The thing that I will never forget about you is that as we talked,after all you did,been,seen..you talked to me as a normal person. Thank you so much for the years of incredible music..and for being a wonderful man ..you will always be missed...

Hi Keith,

It's Christmas morning 2006. I don't know why, but I just felt like putting on "Sibling Rivalry" and was listening to "On Every Corner." Brother, I can't explain it, but I just started weeping. I still can't believe that the beautiful soul whose compassion for others gave birth to that song was taken from us so soon.

I only met you twice, but both times you were so gracious and kind. I want the world to know how caring and giving you were when you heard of my friend's nephew who suffered 3rd degree burns over 90% of his body in a bike accident... and lived.

What I hope you knew was how your generosity was appreciated by not only his family and Joey himself, but everyone who learned who the donor was for the device that helped Joey both physically and mentally. Joey was able to use that machine to watch movies while he was unable to move and later used it to play video games as a way to rehabilitate what was left of his hands. When Skylark dropped in to deliver and install it, he also gave Joey some CDs and an autographed photo of the band. What you had no way of knowing at the time was what a big fan of The Doobie Brothers little Joey was. He listened to his parents CDs and records all the time growing up. Suddenly, out of the blue, here was one of the Doobie Brothers reaching out to him. To this day, his mother credits that as one of the key things that gave Joey the strength to fight the good fight. I will always believe that your intervention is one of the reasons Joey survived in spite of his burns.

This all happened because you took the time to care. And I want the world to know just HOW MUCH you gave back.

When I heard of your passing, it broke my heart. After I did the interview with you for the motorcycle magazine, I hoped you would feel like I had returned the favor in some small way. I always hoped to do a follow-up article for one of the major magazines about doing a ride with you through northern California. You and I had talked of it briefly. I WILL do that ride some day, but it will be with your spirit only.

You left us way too soon, my friend. But you can take heart in knowing that all who knew you feel we are in a far better place in our own lives just having had the blessing of knowing you.

And so, this Christmas morning, when I give thanks to God not just for sending us his son, but for all those special people who made such a difference in our lives, I think of you. You lived life with spirit and verve. You were one of those who lives his life at 100%. And you gave equally with your passion for this life. There's no better way to do it. My thoughts are with you and in my wildest dreams, my we someday ride together on Eternity Road at least long enough for me to be as good a friend to you. Thank you, Keith... for living, loving, laughing and sharing your heart with us all. You are STILL dearly missed.

My heartfelt wishes still go to Kate and Dayna. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

My Son David (then 12 years old), my Wife Betty Anne and I last saw Southern Pacific on my birthday March 30, 1988. David and I visited with the group in their dressing room at Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, Alberta.

(I was a member of the SP fan club, then chaired by a lady in Wisconsin, I believe).

Back to the story at Jubilee - The group were very friendly and courteous to my Son and I. I photographed a picture of the group with David (he was "looped" in John's guitar strap). John had his guitar strapped on at the time and David had his hands on the neck of John's guitar. It is a great picture for sure. When we left the dressing room, Keith walked David and I down the hallway back to the auditorium and chatted with us the whole way. I still love Southern Pacific's music and the group and was so saddened to learn of Keith's passing in 2005. God Bless Keith......God Bless all members of Southern Pacific and the Doobie Brothers. You all have made this a better world.

Sincerely,
Jim McGowan
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Dear Keith....

I've seen quite a few shows since your passing on. I remember the first show I saw after your journey to heaven. I couldn't hold the tears back, in fact I still get choked up at some shows. Every time I see Kate and Dayna, I see the memories of you in them. I see tears in their eyes, missing you so much. You are so loved and missed by everyone.

Kate gave a tremendous gift to me after your passing. I'm sure you know where your beloved horse is. I wish I could tell you how much Tucker is loved here. He is safe and sound here with me in Calif. I want to let you know he'll always be with me as long as I'm still on this earth. I will always make sure he is cared and provided for. I see Tucker everyday, and I'm looking out my window at him right now. I see so much of you in Tucker. You can tell that he was YOUR horse. I know how much you spoiled this horse. He's also kind of mischievous. He's cracks me up. We had this little problem with him striking his front foot on the ground, like he's trying to dig a hole, if he's tied up. He would get a little impatient with me at times. I would be firm with him and tell him no. He would stop but, as soon as I turned my back he would do it again. I turn around and look at him and he would stop again. We would do this over and over until it turned into a game for him. I'll turn by back again and look quickly at him and he's got his top lip raised at me like he's making a funny face at me....like nanner, nanner, nanner. He always has a twinkle in his eyes, just like you did.

Sometimes when I'm upset I go out to see Tucker. He always seems to know when my emotions are running high. Yesterday I was sad about something so I went out to the horses to be consoled. When I was ready to get out of his stall, he would walk in front of me so I couldn't get out. I tried every end of his corral. He stuck to me like glue. He kept blocking me. All this horse wants is to be loved. He's such a kisser. He loves to lick. Gee, I wonder who taught him that?? Someday you and Tucker will be together again but, until then just know he's safe and loved.

We all miss you very much!

With love,

To My Sweet Dear Friend Keith,
Well I went to the benefit this weekend. It was the first time I have seen the band play without you Keith.. It was hard.. There was a moment I just couldn't handle it and then I saw your spirit behind the new drummer looking at me saying, it's all good Arnie,(that's what Keith called me). So then I saw the beauty in the moment and I could then hear the band again as I have heard for so many years.
I remember the days before the Doobies and the day you became a Doobie Brother. The day you married Tracy and I was your best woman in the wedding. The Day Dana and Kate became your family.The day you cut your very long hair, I miss you. Remembering the days you, John,Taco and I would hang out. The day we buried Bobbo by the creek in Nacasio. You where always there for me and my family. You were my brother, you are my brother.

I miss you so and Love you Always, Ronnelle McFee Wells and Family

Dear Keith,
We miss you and think of you every single day. You are with the band at every show and we know you are watching over us with your love.
There are no words to describe what you mean to us...
love,
The Simmons Family