Keith Milton Lockhart
Of San Rafael died peacefully at home, embraced by his loving family, on January 24, 2015. Born April 9, 1928, in Stratton, Ontario, to Florence Marjorie Gamsby and George Edward Lockhart, Keith lived an indelibly rich and fulfilling life.
As a young Canadian, Keith worked as an announcer at several radio stations in Ontario. His first broadcasting job, at age 17, was in Fort Frances at Radio CFOB, and he was known in the Rainy River District for his play-by-play on the local hockey games. Other stints included CKEY in Toronto and CKOC in Hamilton.
Continuing to pursue broadcasting opportunities, Keith moved to Los Angeles in 1955. He landed at KPOL and KGIL. Noted for his resonant stentorian voice, radio announcing became his forte.
In 1964, Keith was offered the sunrise slot at KGIL’s sister station and San Francisco’s premier classical station, KKHI. He was soon to become KKHI’s drive time “morning man” and a mainstay radio personality for well over 25 years.
Social engagement deeply interested Keith. His life was a testament to fairness and to an unfalteringly respectful interest in people from all walks of life. He possessed a generous, bottomless talent for regaling family and friends with folksy anecdotes. A well-known presence at the Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, he enjoyed his daily swim, steam room and hot tub routine.
But Keith was also intensely reflective. His insatiable love of words drew him into private pursuits as a keen Scrabble player, crossword master, and prolific, poetic writer of letters and journals.
Keith’s dry wit and courtly manner often belied an ardent enthusiasm for life in all its quickening appearances, which he extensively captured in picturesque, often sublime images. He was an accomplished photographer. His gardening efforts–– particularly his roses and wisteria arbor––continued to surprise every year and often became favored subjects for his camera.
Married six times, life was heady . . . tender . . . and incomprehensible.
Keith is survived by wife and partner Margaret, sons Keith Alan (Julia) and Kent, daughter Laura (Aki), grandchildren Kristy, Heather and Jason (Stephanie), great-grandchildren Taylor and Cole, and stepsons Frank and Dougal (Lisa), and beloved cat Katya.
Funeral service privately held. Donations may be made in his honor to a charity of one’s choice.