[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING WILLIAM R. KEITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. I rise today in remembrance of William Raymond Keith, who 
passed away on January 30, 2009. Bill was born in Jackson, MI on 
October 24, 1929 to Ruth Arlene Young and Raymond Joseph Keith. Bill 
graduated from Detroit's Wilbur High School in 1948 and the University 
of Michigan's School of Banking in 1963.
  Bill served in the U.S. Army in Germany in 1950-51, singing vocals 
with the 82nd Army Band. Employed by Manufacturers National Bank for 19 
years, he worked his way up from messenger to branch manager and bank 
officer. Bill was well respected and admired for his 22 years serving 
in the Michigan House of Representatives. He chaired the House 
Education, Colleges & Universities, and Banking and Finance Committees. 
He was a champion for public education, always fighting to enhance 
learning opportunities for children. His long years of service took him 
to many international locations including China, Japan, Korea, France 
and Germany. The German President awarded him the Officer's Cross of 
Merit (the highest honor that can be given to a non-German citizen). 
Bill has received numerous awards for his work in public service. In 
1991, he was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. During 
his retirement, he volunteered as a docent at the Michigan Capitol 
Building, enjoying sharing that beautiful treasure with schoolchildren 
from around the state.
  Bill also loved music and singing. Starting in high school when he 
sang with the Don Large Chorus on WJR, performing with big bands in the 
Detroit area, and more recently singing with his wife Phyllis in their 
church choir, at nursing homes, senior residences and local events, 
Bill loved to revive classic songs of the 40's and 50's. Many people 
over the years were touched by his music. Bill had and amazing sense of 
humor, and was always waiting to greet you with a new joke. Most of 
all, he treasured his family, including his wife, kids, grand-kids and 
his dogs. He was a kind, generous and gentle man with a great strength 
of character and wisdom.
  Bill is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Keith, and his six 
children: Brian W. Keith of Lansing, MI; David R. Keith of DeLand, FL; 
April M. Keith of Lake Orion, MI; Betty Keith Pomerantz of Newbury 
Park, CA; Robyn S. Hubbard of Grand Rapids, MI; and Ryan E. Zaiser of 
Bloomingdale, GA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great-
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life 
of William Raymond Keith--an accomplished legislator, great leader and 
endearing family man.

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