10/15/2014

Aloha all, sad news.... My good friend and buddy Keith Bedford past away this last week. This is the letter I sent to his family. I've enclosed his address if you would like to pass on a kind thought......... I send love and hugs to you all, Stanley

Dearest Lissi, Greg, Denny and Susie, I want you to know that my heart goes out to you all, and the families. Keith and I first met in 1956, the year I started teaching at Cap. One of my responsibilities was to build the art department so I would have a full five period schedule. To fill in my first year teaching assignment, I needed two classes. So I was given two classes of Drivers Ed. to fill in my day. 

That's when I was first introduced to the head of the Driver's Ed, mentor, Mr. Keith Bedford. We became immediate friends. We shared many lunch hours with discussions of the world, education, art and all else. As time went on, I realized that Keith had a lot of latent art talent that needed to be put to use. The art department had grown and it was time for another member. I remember going to Keith and asking him if he would consider slowly being brought into the art department fold. He was reluctant at first but soon he decided it was worth a try. On his period off, he would come to my beginning class and observe and soon take part, gaining confidence, little by little until he was ready to take on a class himself. 

You must realize that Keith also taught Safety Ed., Social Studies as well as being a great football coach. So many talents....

On Keith's first sabbatical leave, Keith and his lovely wife Lissi's went to Europe spending much time traveling, doing watercolors and meeting Lissi's family in Denmark. During those months,he finished a series of local images in Water Color. On his return to the states, he would follow up by having a several one man shows. You know, kind of a Renaissance man he was. During our years of teaching, as well as after, I got to know his children as well as Lissi. Iv'e spent many hours with them socializing and mentoring. I even named one of my sons after Keith. I'm rambling, but there is so much to say, so many memories, so many stories, so many laughs so much love. For all the years since 1956, Keith and I talked, laughed, hugged and shared life's joys and sorrows. I will miss him and the love we shared..... God bless this Man of All Seasons, my pal Keith Bedford......