William Thorvald Keens III

Bill was a writer, poet, devoted father and husband, loved by his wife, two sons, granddaughter, siblings, daughters-in-law, mother-in-law, and close friends.

Bill’s life was grounded in a humble upbringing in North Carolina, a history of manual labor, and an affinity for the salt of the earth - he was gifted with an easeful ability to connect with any and all folks from every stratosphere and walk of life. Bill received the first Randall Jarrell Fellowship at UNCG and later graduated with an MFA in Poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He went on to found his own company counseling for the arts, eventually to become the esteemed Wolf, Keens & Co.

In him fused the sensitivities of the artist and the drive of a man determined to build something lasting. A softness and intensity both unique and rare. His humor and wit rested in his balance of the sacred and the profane: reverence spiced with irreverence. He was a constant voice of fairness and good counsel - sought frequently, cherished by many - an even temperament, comforting presence, and admirable grit for which he was so well known and loved.

Although Bill suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, he did not fear death, calling it “just the next chapter,” – an inheritance from his mother, whose last moments before coma were spent laughing. To the very end, he carried dignity, kindness and a playful mischief through an impossible disease that does its best to rob one of these qualities. In the face of death, he remained truly himself - a towering achievement in its own right.

Beyond loving family and friends who walked with Bill to the end, a special and deep gratitude is reserved for the astounding souls at Vie Village who cared for him with extraordinary tenderness and unwavering respect.

Bill, you will be deeply missed, yet you continue on in those who love you. Death is the end of a life, but not the end of a relationship.

Farewell for now; we will see you in the next chapter.

We will not be having a funeral, following Bill’s request. Our family will be holding a ceremony to honor him later this year.