Keith Solmo

“It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.” — Adlai E. Stevenson

Flagstaff, Ariz. — Born in Norwich, on Oct. 20, 1982, Keith Frederick Solmo unexpectedly entered into eternal life on Jan. 27, 2018.

Keith is survived by his parents, Frederick Solmo of Colchester and Wendy Boissevain of North Stonington. He is also survived by his brother Matthew Solmo of Manchester; his sister Stacy Dourado and husband Mason of Colchester; two step-brothers, Shane and Ryan Boissevain of Richmond, Texas; his maternal grandmother Lorraine M. Ukraine of Uncasville; and his travel partner and love Emily Anne Brooke of Flagstaff, Ariz. Keith is also survived by several aunts, an uncle, cousins, two nephews and a huge circle of friends and acquaintances around the globe.

An accomplished archaeologist, a passionate photographer, climber and adventurer, Keith graduated from Bacon Academy in Colchester in 2001. He studied anthropology at Green Mountain College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology and geography in 2005. During his studies, he traveled to China two times as part of a cultural grant studies program. Keith joined the Northern Arizona University master’s program in 2015, graduating in 2017, with a Master of Arts Anthropology: Research with Distinction. While in graduate school, he traveled to Mexico and Belize, to research and document his thesis work.

Keith spent the last twelve years “shovel bumming” throughout the country, working in and leading field crews, most recently leading crews for PaleoWest Archaeology in Phoenix, Ariz., and Drayton Archaeology in Bellingham, Wash. He was an active member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists.

A celebration of Keith’s life is planned for later this spring in Connecticut to connect, share and celebrate his energy and love of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association are appreciated.