Greetings;
The family of Keith Smith enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner
yesterday at the home of Chris and Shannon Morris in Alva, OK; Shannon is
Keith’s niece. We found the ‘DemoOkie’ forums and other web sites with
comments from Keith’s friends all over the state. At one point, we printed
the comments (all seventeen pages) and the family sat around the
Thanksgiving table reading quietly, passing the sheets from one person to
the next. There was a lot of laughter ~ and a lot of tears ~ when family
members began sharing their memories of their son, their brother, their
uncle.
Shannon tried her best to send a note to the forum indicating how much
comfort those comments have given to the family during this sad time in our
lives; so far, though, her comment has not appeared in the forum. If you can
expedite her registration to the forum, her comment is waiting for approval.
Please know that the comments made by everyone in these public forums have
deeply touched the family and have provided comfort during this terribly
difficult time. Many of us will attend the memorial service at the State
Capitol.
Sincerely,
Rodney C. Murrow
Freedom, Oklahoma
Keith’s step-brother
I was
so broken today when my friend, Claudia Kamas told me Keith had passed away.
I somehow just knew my home state, Oklahoma was in good hands because Keith
was there.
The last time I saw Keith was at lunch at a Lebanese restaurant in Oklahoma
City with Claudia and my partner, Bryan and it was so good to see him. Since
I have known Keith, I have been envious that he could stay in our home state
as an open gay man and do so well.
Keith always was ready to talk seriously and at length about any political
subject dear to his heart - and really; how many political topics were not
dear to his heart one way or another.
The combination of his smile, his love of life, his commitment to helping
others and those awesome cowboy hats can never be replaced anyone.
He is a son of Oklahoma - and I am one proud Oklahoman that is is.
Keep the mountains wild, the rivers swift and the meadows lush till we get
up there to see ya, Keith; and thanks for all you have done for all of us.
We owe you, man.
Pictures are from an event for David Walters we attended here at Hillary
Clinton's home in D.C.
Dan Sealy
Bethesda, Maryland
Addendum to my message about Keith:
I know Keith's family loved him very much as did his friends. But especially
his family will be in my prayers also. I know how hard this is. My only
brother died of AIDS in OKC several years ago. It was good to know how
strong the community is there, but life transforming to lose a loved one.
Peace be with them.
Dan Sealy
Picture
contributed by Debbie Burr
Keith, Congressman Barney Frank and
Debbie Burr.
Page 1 Page 2
Page 3 Page
4 Page 5
Page
7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Memorial
1 Memorial 2
Memorial 3
Keith
Blayne Smith, son of Verda Elizabeth (Holt) and Robert Wayne Smith
was born on March 4, 1955 in Alva, Oklahoma. He passed away at the
Oklahoma City Integris Bass Hospital on the 20th of November 2006 at
the age of 51 years, 8 months and 16 days. He attended the Alva
School System where he graduated with the class of 1973 and attended
Northwestern Oklahoma University and received his Bachelors degree
from Oklahoma State University. After college he became a lobbyist
in the state legislature. Keith was a National Stonewall Democrats
Board member, and chair of its personnel committee. His involvement
in promoting civil rights for all, environmental quality, and
women's rights. As well as other good things for human life in
America, is legendary. Keith was awarded the Angie Debo Civil
Libertarian of the Year Award in 2003, The Margaret Sanger Legacy
Award in 2003, The 'Making Democracy Work" award in 1999, The Ron
Schafer Memorial Award in 1991, The Sixth Annual GALA Award for
'Outstanding Man of the Year" in 1990 and The Second Annual 'Bill
Rogers Award of Merit" in 1988. Keith was tireless and determined in
his efforts to speak for those who otherwise would have no voice in
the legislative process. All who knew Keith will miss him and we
know he would want us to carry on the fight for Democratic Party and
progressive causes in Oklahoma. He was baptized as youth at the
Church of Christ. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father on
August 11, 1988. Keith is survived by his mother Verda Smith Murrow
of Alva, three brothers and their wives; Craig and Ruby of Sedalia,
Colorado, his twin brother Kurt and Susan of Bozeman, Montana and
Kyle of Alva, four aunts and an uncle. A number of nieces, nephews,
other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at
Wharton Funeral Chapel in Alva, OK, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November
25, 2006. Interment will be at Alva Municipal Cemetery at a later
date. A memorial service at the Oklahoma State Capitol Rotunda will
be held on Friday, December 1, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. His body will lay
in state Friday afternoon until services. Contributions may be made
in his memory to the Oklahoma Planned Parenthood. Wharton Funeral
Chapel in Alva, OK, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be
made online at www.whartonfuneralchapel.com 
