Museum of Art curator Keith Wells passes away

By Communications staff, Washington State University

PULLMAN, Wash. – Keith A. Wells, 50, curator of the Museum of Art at Washington State University, passed away Feb. 28, 2013, in Pullman. He was born Nov. 8, 1962, in Rochester, N.H. He worked at WSU 1998-2013.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be at 5 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the museum.

Keith grew up and graduated from high school in Farmington, N.H. After graduation, he received a round-trip ticket to visit his sister in Bellingham, Wash. He never returned to Farmington. Working in Bellingham, he met Debbie Missiaen, whom he married. His son Levi was born during this time. After his divorce from Debbie, Keith moved with Levi to Pullman. Keith then began his studies at WSU, receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts.

He worked his way through college on his own, including an ongoing stint at Cougar Country Restaurant. He married Leisa Schmidt and to their family Brontë was born. Keith and Leisa later divorced.

In 1998, Keith continued his association with the Fine Arts Department as an instructor. From 2004 to the time of his death, Keith was the curator at the Museum of Art at WSU. He authored and co-authored several books on the museum’s exhibits.

In 2002, he met Alma Rocha, the love of his life. They were married June 9, 2005, in Pullman, where they have made their home.

Keith was an artistic and eccentric personality. He loved music and played several percussion instruments as well as guitar. He was an avid disc golf player and enjoyed being a canvas for the art or tattooing.

Another source of great enjoyment was his dog, Zeus, a beloved Chiweenie rescued from the humane society. Time spent with family was of the upmost importance to Keith. He was a good friend and always available for those who needed him.

 

Keith is survived by his wife, Alma, at the family home in Pullman; son, Levi, of Pullman; daughter, Brontë Schmidt-Wells, of Pullman; parents, Kenneth and Anna Neal; and sisters, Shelley Johnston and husband, Larry, and Rebecca Hunt and Kim Snow.

 

Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is caring for the family. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.kimballfh.com.

 
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I am very sad to report that our dear curator, Keith Wells, passed away last night from a heart attack. This is a shock to all of us.
 
What we know is that it is going to be difficult to imagine the Museum of Art without him. Our small staff is a family and we are trying to figure out all the best next things to do.
 
We will be holding a Memorial Tribute for Keith in the Museum Gallery on Tuesday, April 9. Please join us in honoring Keith’s memory and celebrating the very real and lasting contribution he has added to our community. Details will be updated on the Memorial as they are made available.
 
Chris Bruce, director, Museum of Art/WSU, friend
 
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Keith Wells died last night of a heart attack at age 50. Working on his dream home which he bought just a few short weeks ago. He told us he would never want another home as long as he lived.
 
And last night, shortly before I left work, we joked about wanting sunshine and beaches instead of being in the rain, and we shared a beautiful smile, and he was gone.
 
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the tilt of his head, or his lovely heart, as long as I live. I know that doesn’t mean anything to anyone who doesn’t know Keith. But it means something to me so of course I feel compelled to share. And maybe, in a little way, celebrate a beautiful human being who I have had the privilege of working with since 2007.
 
Keith was the curator for our museum. He has worked here in many capacities, for about 20 years. He was a huge, gentle giant of a man with his entire skull tatooed, instead of hair. And he had a love of biker jackets and boots and heavy silver anything.
 
He was an artist, and a sculptor, and he had a wry sense of irreverent humor that I loved. My husband Henry traded artwork with Keith.
 
We have a gorgeous, white marble sculpture of his, that is simply a light switch. He joked about it representing the phrase, “whatever turns you on.” Which matches my favorite phrase of “add more of what you love” perfectly.
 
I miss Keith already. And while I know he’s fine and I don’t worry about him in the slightest, all of us who knew him have a hole, somewhere inside, that will never be entirely full without him.
 
We only had seven people on our team with Keith, and now, today there are only six. Just had to share.
 
Send a prayer up for his children Bronte and Levi, and his wife Alma today if you get a moment. I can only imagine what they must feel as his family, feeling what I do as his friend…
 
Love,
 
Debby Stinson, marketing manager, Museum of Art/WSU, friend
 
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We, the seven staff members of the Museum of Art, have always prided ourselves on our true familial love for each other. We spend more time with each other than our own families….we’ve bonded completely….cogs and wheels that fit perfect and move without a slip.
 
Today we are devastated by the loss of one of our very own, Keith Wells, curator extraordinary! I personally have known Keith for 18-years….We’ve been through a lot together. He was my “big brother bear” and my sounding board.
 
I have no idea what we are going to do without him. His work family, and his family, are unable to grasp this situation. It doesn’t seem real. Devastation is the only word that works. He was a truly unique, and loving individual.
 
He is so completely missed. Please keep his wonderful wife Alma and his children in your prayers today.
 
Anna-Maria Shannon, associate director, Museum of Art/ WSU, friend
 
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It is with deep sadness for the museum and for his family that I heard the new of Keith’s death. He is also part of the Department of Fine Arts family, having earned his BFA and then MFA with us. My deepest condolences to Alma, also part of our family, and to the children.
 
Carol Ivory