Keith Everest Friend: September 8, 1966 – November 8, 2014 It is difficult to sum up someone like Keith Friend. Keith was larger than life and spread his love and self to so many that his story could fill a whole newspaper. Keith was born on September 8, 1966 to Pat and Julie Friend and grew up in Hurst, Texas with his sister, Christy. He attended L.D. Bell High School where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Lori Boren. After graduating from Southwest Texas State University, he and Lori were married on July 8, 1989 and settled down in Grapevine, Texas. Here, they did as many young couples do…and pretended their dogs were their children. Soon, however, their children Amber Michelle and Andrew James were born, and their lives moved in another direction. Keith’s central focus became his family, and life ensued with many new adventures. His family life rocketed forward with soccer games, recitals, school activities and many family trips in the big white van. The Friend family traveled across the country visiting Colorado, Yellowstone and state park after state park (not to mention Disney World). Keith was the master of “Friend family camping,” by which we mean setting up a portable kitchen that was probably more extensive and equipped than the one in his actual house. He never hesitated to help at his kids’ birthdays. He dressed up as many characters and even faced an attack by lightsaber-wielding six-year-olds as Darth Vader. The self-proclaimed “King of Cardboard,” he would say that he could build anything out of refrigerator boxes and PVC pipe—two pirate ships, a giant snake, and a time machine among the most honorable mentions. Keith was beautiful inside and out. He loved his cowboy hat, his boots, and his big, "manly" Ford pick up; he was always ready for the next adventure. He was full of fun, laughter, and wit and his caring nature filled any room that he entered. Keith did not stop with family. He was quick to share himself with all: his IBM coworkers, fellow scouts, church members, youth, other cancer patients, medical team, family and guitar students alike. He taught guitar and helped with his church youth group for over 20 years. His personality and unique teaching style opened many kids up to a love for Christ and music. He pushed them to practice and play, telling them “If you don’t bring it, you can’t play it!” He was also very involved with Andrew’s Cub and Boy Scout troops. From rocket launches to zip lining trips to campout skits, he was an active and energetic presence for the boys he led. He was wired to be happy and taught others in his life that “happiness is a choice.” He was a driving force in the lives of many he knew and pushed the people he worked with to always try new things. “Half the battle is just showing up,” he would say. In 2008, Keith was diagnosed with cancer and was given an 8% chance to live five years. He never let this slow him down and would constantly tell others that the cancer made him a better person, husband, and father. He reached out to dozens of other patients offering solace, experience, and a friend to cry and laugh with. Though it may have gotten him in the end, cancer did not win the fight and Keith most assuredly did not lose a single second. He fought long and hard and won so many more cherished moments with his family that he would not have otherwise had, and we’re grateful for every extra moment we got with him. We send our thanks to our endless list of supporters who have stood by Keith and his family throughout his fight: to our extended family, neighbors, scout families, church, Caring Bridge readers, and many, many more who shared their love and prayers. We’re so thankful to IBM for their flexibility and concern towards Keith and his treatment. We are also incredibly indebted to Dr. Heidi Jordan and her team at Texas Oncology, who have been great friends, as well as a remarkable medical team these past six and a half years. Keith ended his emails with the following quote: "Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst… a spark that creates extraordinary results." (Author Unknown) He truly lived this by being a positive influence and teacher to all he knew. He said he didn’t fear death, that he saw it as an adventure. We know that he is healed and whole, taking on this new adventure with God and the loved ones who left before him. Keith’s visitation will be November 14th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Hurst, and his celebration service will be November 15th at 11:00 a.m., also at FUMC Hurst. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Colon Cancer Alliance (ccalliance.org) or the FUMC Hurst Youth (P.O. Box 1461 Hurst, TX 76053). Keith is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lori; daughter, Amber; son, Andrew; parents Julie Mason and Pat Friend; sister Elaine Christine Lincoln; many family members and scores of friends.