Thanks for reading. Keith’s sudden passing was shocking and heartbreaking to those who knew and loved him. Keith was an otherwise healthy, active, loving husband. He returned home from playing tennis that morning and collapsed on the bathroom floor.

Paramedics arrived and Keith was immediately rushed to the hospital. After several hours in the ER, he was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurism and underwent an 8-10 hour emergency surgery in which his chances of surviving were very slim. To the amazement of the surgical team, Keith fought his way through the surgery.

Keith was placed in ICU and continued to improve by the hour. A few days later he had a follow up surgery to close his abdomen. When the intubation tube was removed, Keith was breathing on his own. Gradually the ICU team brought Keith out of sedation. The more alert Keith became, the more his personality shined through. Whether he was asking his wife for kisses or joking with the hospital staff, Keith expressed gratitude to all.

The family and medical team were hopeful and felt blessed by his improvement. Sadly, however, Keith’s beautiful and generous heart stopped working. After several attempts at resuscitation, Keith passed from this world and left behind many broken hearts.

We’ve started this go fund me on behalf of Keith Winner’s wife, Susan Winner, to help with medical bills and living expenses. Unfortunately, he did not leave behind a pension. Susan is devastated by the loss of her beloved husband. Susan has had her own health struggles over the years as she has a genetic disorder, Beta Thalassemia Major. The disorder requires her to receive blood transfusions every three weeks along with other health challenges associated with disorder. At this time, the complications of Thalassemia preclude her from working.

Keith had a huge heart and was a true animal lover. He had a rescue dog, Lucy, and a rescue kitty, Peanut, that he adored. Keith was a favorite with all the neighbor stray cats as well. Even the feral cats warmed up to Keith. Sadly Lucy and Peanut are looking everywhere for their Poppy. Because of Keith’s huge heart, we are taking care of Keith’s feral cats by feeding them and maintaining their routines. However, they all look at us with confusion when we bring food out to them. Are they wondering ‘Where’s that nice cat man?’

Keith was an Air Force veteran and Russian linguist during the Vietnam war. Keith always had a smile for everyone he met. His friends always joked that he was a ‘man of the people’. Keith was an avid gardener, growing organic vegetables year round. He generously shared his bounty with friends and neighbors. Those same neighbors and friends knew Keith was always available to help with a task, answer questions or make them laugh. He was gracious in spirit and love to all beings.

In lieu of flowers or masses, please consider a donation in loving memory of Keith, no matter how small, will go a long way to help cover medical bills/expenses, supporting Keith’s wife and his fur family.