Keith was born December 22, 1933, the son of Faires and Ethel Shirey. He was one of 3 children including his late sister Nancy and brother Jim. He lived in the Southern California area for most of his life, and graduated from El Monte High School. Keith’s mentor growing up was his grandfather Frances Stiles, from whom he developed his passion for politics and work ethic as he worked at his feed store at the age of 9. Family discussions about politics and religion were fun, yet contentious. Keith attended U.S.C and graduated in 1956, majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. It was there he met his first wife, Sue and mother of his children. He completed his graduate studies at Claremont University.
Keith was a professor for 41 years, and he spent 34 of those years teaching Logic, Philosophy and Political Science at Citrus College. He was highly inspirational and a major influence on those who came in contact with him. He was brilliant, passionate and creative. He was also a political activist and twice ran for Congress, winning one primary in 1968.
He enjoyed travelling, discussing politics, U.S.C. football, and of course his line of Cavalier King Charles dogs. He also was a published author and a musician and impressively started a second career starting his own political campaign promotional items business where he secured the accounts of several notable Presidential candidates. He also enjoyed 35 years of marriage to his wife Patricia who was also a College Professor.
He drew further admiration of his friends and family when he tenaciously came through a 10 week hospital stay in 2017 after complications from heart surgery. After his recovery he continued to enjoy the company of his beloved partner Glenda Corstorphine, and lived out his final days in his Altadena home.
Keith is survived by his daughter Cindy, his son Mark, and his step-daughter Kathy Ungermann. He is also survived by his brother Jim Shirey, and nephews Paul Shirey, Ben Shirey and Nick Sadler. Keith also had 6 grandchildren named Jake Miller, Katrina Shirey, Nicholas Ungermann, Natalie Ungermann, and Guy and Kyle Barney.
Keith will be missed and we will think of him often, particularly on autumn afternoons as he cheers on his Trojans from above.
Services are private on Saturday 11/7, but flowers can be sent to: Live Oak Memorial Park at: 200 East Duarte Rd., Monrovia, CA 91016, please have delivered by 9:00 am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.liveoakmonrovia.com for the Shirey family.
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