Keith Rennie
POLSON — Keith Rennie, a devoted husband, beloved father and brother, and cherished grandfather, passed away on June 23, 2024, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.
Keith was born on July 1, 1952, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and grew up on multiple reservations in New Mexico and Montana with a deep connection to his parents, Albert and Carmen (née Smith) and four brothers, Rod, Ray, Tom and Doug (predeceased) and appreciation of culture. He pursued a career as an attorney, then as an educator, becoming head of the Business Department at Salish Kootenai College, despite a self-proclaimed fear of public speaking. For him, fear was not a reason to forgo pursuit of a meaningful goal. Known for his sharp mind and easy-going demeanor, Keith positively impacted countless lives throughout his career.
Keith’s greatest joy, however, came from his roles as husband to Carole, father to Brandon and Craig, and grandfather to Torrin and Solea. He exemplified the ideal father, always supportive, loving, and ready with a playful joke or wise advice. His grandchildren brought him immense happiness and brought out a particular playfulness familiar to his friends and family.
In his leisure time, Keith enjoyed fishing or a day on the lake; passions he eagerly shared with any and everyone. He enjoyed a practical joke and delighted in sharing laughter with those around him. Later in life, Keith indulged his musical proclivities whole-heartedly, reveling in new instruments and social bonds.
Keith leaves behind a legacy of humility, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. His confident speculations on a wide range of topics and his ability to engage others in lively discussions will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.
A memorial service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held on July 21, 2024, from 4-6 at the Red Poppy Building in Ronan. In lieu of flowers, Keith requested donating blood to the Red Cross or make a donation to the Western Montana Musicians Co-op, an organization that Keith helped to create and got immense joy out of participating in. Keith’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
