WA - Keith passed away peacefully after a long battle with PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy) on February 4, 2026, just two days after his 84th birthday.

Born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, to Anthony and Lois Artz on February 2, 1942, Keith was the youngest of three boys and spent his childhood in rural Nebraska and moved to Seattle as a teenager. Keith graduated from Auburn High School and received his bachelor's in forestry resources from the University of Washington in 1968. It was at the UW where he met his wife, Karen, while serving as a houseboy at her sorority.

Keith worked for King County as a Resource Planner, then opened a fine woodworking business, and ultimately became an award-winning watercolor painter and colored pencil artist. Many of his works are graciously exhibited at The Hearthstone Green Lake where he spent his final years. He was very active with Seattle Co-Arts, Northwest Watercolor Society, and the Colored Pencil Society of America.

In retirement he enjoyed traveling and having tea with his beloved wife of 53 years, Karen, who passed away in 2018 of ovarian cancer. Retirement also encouraged his further engagement in advocacy work around mental health awareness and homelessness. Collections of his artwork are dedicated to these issues.

Keith is survived by his partner, Therese, his daughters, Kirstin (Tyler) and Megan (David), grandsons, Drew and Will, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and an overwhelming number of friends. He is predeceased by his wife, Karen, his parents, Anthony and Lois, and his brothers, William and Gary.

Anyone who knew Keith appreciated his quick wit, farm boy logic, and the ability to deeply connect with people. These skills were forged from a decades long battle with treatment resistant depression and a great capacity for empathy. He was also an expert hugger and shared that expertise frequently.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, May 16th at 2:00pm at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture with a reception to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Facing Homelessness in Seattle, Washington (http://facinghomelessness.org).