Keith Whittingslow

April 14, 1939 - July 21, 2015

Keith Whittingslow April 14, 1939 - July 21, 2015 Keith Whittingslow, beloved husband of Pat Whittingslow, died peacefully on July 21 at Straub Clinic & Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. Keith is survived by his loving wife Pat of Honolulu; sister-in-law Sharon Simpson and her husband Gary Simpson of Atherton, CA.; along with nephew Clay Simpson and his wife Angela and grandnephews Tanner and Grant Simpson of CO. Keith was born in Hyde, Cheshire, England on April 14, 1939, the only child of Sydney and Gertrude Whittingslow. The family immigrated to the United States in December 1947, settling in the San Francisco Bay Area. A lifelong scholar and author, Keith's academic passions were philosophy, poetry, and interdisciplinary consciousness. He earned a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine in 1963 from the California College of Podiatry in San Francisco and went on to earn a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies in 1987 from the John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA. He continued to pursue advanced independent studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies and the University of California Berkeley. He was a prolific author in poetry and prose, including his The Fine Structure Constant: Philosophical Explorations via A Poetics of Consciousness published in 2000. Keith was also a highly decorated U.S. Army Captain, serving active duty as Aviator, Medical Rescue and Air Cavalry Helicopter Operations with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Among the many military honors he received were Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Air Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Following his military service, Keith continued his career in the aviation industry working for companies such as The Boeing Company and the American Eurocopter Corp. Keith spent nearly 40 years in aviation eventually becoming President of his own company, VerTrans Aviation Consulting, Inc. Sparked by over 30 years as a member of the San Francisco Olympic Club "Striders Club". Keith had a passion for running, competing in marathons and ultra marathons across the U.S. including the Western States 100-Mile Race, the Lake Tahoe 73-Mile Race, the Boston Marathon, and the Honolulu Marathon. He and his wife Pat especially loved the Dipsea Race, the oldest trail race in America from Mill Valley to the California coast at Stinson Beach. Keith Whittingslow will truly be missed by his devoted family and many friends. As quoted from one friend, "Keith was a seeker of truth with a great mind and a strong and good heart." Should you wish to give a gift in memory of Keith, contributions may be sent to the Straub Foundation, Straub Clinic & Hospital, 888 S. King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 or by calling Nina Mullally at 808.522.4853. Private services are pending.