Obituary of Willard Keith Black

Willard Keith Black was born in Denver, Colorado on July 3, 1944 to Quinn & Jennie (Parker) Black. He passed away peacefully in Loveland, Colorado on Father’s Day, June 18th, 2023 at the age of 78. Keith was the younger of 2 boys. He earned his Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado University and enjoyed a successful career.

After graduating from college in 1969, he married Susan Ahrensback Black from Ogden, Utah and moved to Iowa where they had 2 children, Laurie May (Cedar Rapids, 1971) and Eric Anthony (Marshalltown, 1973). They also lived in Kansas and New York. In 2012 they retired to Windsor, Colorado.

Keith was exceptionally devoted to his family. He was days away from his 54^th anniversary. His brother, Harold, was always one of his best friends. He took great care of his precious mother, kids, grandchildren, & great grandchildren. He cultivated meaningful relationships with countless cousins, nieces & nephews, and in-laws. Keith was a beloved companion to everyone in the family tree.

Keith always enjoyed a good, mischievous laugh. From birth to grave, he notoriously created incredible methods to exercise his devious sense of humor.  He enjoyed the outdoors, museums, hunting, reading books on the back porch, and listening to bluegrass music (when Sue wasn’t around).

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and brother, as well as his admired Uncle Ray Parker, who played an influential role in his upbringing. He is survived by his Aunt Iris Parker (Ray’s wife), his children and their spouses, Laurie (Black) & Steven Cook and Eric & Cindy (Labes) Black. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren. His grandchildren are Hannah, Jillian, Emily, Elijah, Caleb, & Naomi (born to Eric & Cindy) and Oliver (born to Laurie & Steven). Keith’s great grandchildren are Adelyn Marie, Violet Ann, and Silas Keith (born to Hannah and her husband, Brandon).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Heart of the Rockies Christian Church (6501 Brittany St, Fort Collins, CO) on Friday, June 30 at 11am. There will be a viewing at the same venue starting at 9 am.