Keith L. Savage

We spent time together in the 76 Div (OSUT) USAR. I remember both his kindness as well as his gift to lead. So sorry to hear of his passing, and will always remember him.

My deepest condolences to Keith's children and extended family. I met Keith in 1969 when I was tutoring Young Soo Chang, a Korean student at the University of Maine in Portland, whom I believe Keith had met in Korea.. I borrowed Keith's gi while studying tae-kwon-do with young Soo.. The gi was much too big for me which made us all laugh.. Keith was present when Young Soo presented me with my own gi and my brown belt in tae-kwon-do. I will always remember Keith as an intelligent and kind man.

Unfortunately, I could not attend the viewing. Keith and I shared many common interests from at Lincoln Junior and later Deering. We were both determined to see the world and learn to fly. We lost track of each other after Deering, but when we connected many years later, we had both accomplished our dreams. We each had traveled extensively all over the World. We each became pilots. Keith flew army helicopters, while I flew a lumbering, noisy Air-Sea Rescue Amphibian, and later on a civilian helicopter. At a USM reunion we found out that we had also both been rsation teachers and had both learned foreign languages. Keith had picked up Japanese, smatterings of Vietnamese and Arabic, and he had taught English. I had taught English as a second language and a variety of foreign languages. It was so  interesting when we were able to jabber about the strange parallel paths our lives.had taken. We had quite a conversation about why helicopters and bumble-bees violated all of the basic logic of flight. I noticed that there was no mention of Keith's extensive experience, so I would like to verbally give him the salute I would have done if I could have attended, and to thank him for his service.

Interesting enough I had Miss McMaster as an English teacher in the 8th grade at King Junior High School. Once Keith started U of M he had Miss McMaster as a tutor for his English class. She was the absolute best teacher. Very strict and somewhat frightening as my teacher. We memorized poems, did diagrams learned parts (and beyond) of speech. Keith and I would talk about her and we agreed she was the best. Keith’s mom made the most delicious leg of lamb one Easter. What fun and what a meal. My mother and Keith’s mom, Beatrice were nurses and good friends. My sister’s birthday is May 1, Keith’s May 11, 1940. He attended Deering, Johanna Portland. We spent times at the lake, a beautiful spot. So much to tell about a decent gentleman. Always polite, always fun, always teaching something or making one think. I will miss my friend. He loved you Sarah and Matthew and he was very proud of both of you. You will miss him greatly but he will always be in your hearts and always guiding you. You were the lucky ones. He was very blessed and he knew it. You were his life love and reason for living. Don’t let him down. You can do anything with God’s strength but you must ask. Love. Christina Helson

DO NOT STAND BY MY GRAVE AND WEEP
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW
I AM A DIAMOND GLINT OF SNOW
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN. A'ho

Keith and I have been friends since we were 4yrs old..loved him dearly..rest in peace my friend!!