Nov. 20, 1919 n April 30, 2007
Keith Pond died peacefully April 30, 2007. He was 87.
Keith was born to Floyd and Mary Pond in Omaha, Neb. In the early 1930s, the family moved to the homestead farm site on Prairie Dog Creek. The eldest of six children growing up on a farm during the "Great Depression," Keith learned early on that indeed we do reap what we sow.
In high school, he was a competitive runner and placed first in his division at the state track meet in the mile.
During World War II, Keith's mechanical aptitude took him to various flight schools throughout the United States. It was at one of these air bases that he met the lovely Mary Katherine Nolan at a U.S.O. dance and they danced that dance for more than 50 years. It was a beautiful union. They were married Sept. 29, 1944. Keith served during World War II in India as crew chief on a B-29 that flew over "The Hump."
Upon returning home, he took his new bride and young son Robert back to Nebraska, where he opened a garage servicing autos and farm machinery. During this time, Keith and Mary had two more children, Kathleen and Michael.
In 1956, Keith and Mary moved the family to Corvallis, where Keith was employed for many years as a mechanic at Wilson Motors. In the late 1960s, Keith went to college while continuing to work full time. He got his degree in teaching and was one of the founding instructors at LBCC in its automotive department. He was an admired educator.
Keith had many interests ranging from hunting and fishing (he tied his own flies) to creating beautiful bronze sculpture and ceramics. His themes depicted the human condition, from Pieta to Native American dancers, and were always a celebration of God and Nature.
Keith was a bit of a Renaissance man.
He also enjoyed going to Rendezvous in his hand-made buckskins, joining other characters to re-enact the mountain man days. His mountain man name was "Possum Belly," and there was never any doubt that when he visited your campfire he would bring good food, good drink and good company. His powder was always dry. Keith will be remembered as a wonderful husband to Mary, a great father to his children and grandchildren, and a faithful friend to everyone he met. He'll be missed but we have faith that he's now in the celestial ballroom dancing with his beautiful Mary again.
Keith is survived by his children Robert and special friend DeLinda, Kathleen and husband Arthur, and Michael; grandchildren Maria, Charles and Michael, Jason and wife Joanne and Samuel; his brothers, Don and Dale; sisters Sharron and Marilyn; and dear friend Jodi.
There will be a rosary said for Keith at McHenry Funeral Home at 7 p.m. Monday, May 7, and funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 8 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either St. Mary's Stone Soup, 501 N.W. 25th St., Corvallis, OR., 97330 or Circle of Hope, 316 S.W. Washington Ave., Corvallis, OR, 97333.
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