Keith Turner M.D.

Keith was born October 13, 1943 in Topeka, KS to Wilma J. Turner (Hayes) and Lionel Chris Turner. He attended Hayden High School in Topeka, Kansas, graduating in 1961. Keith knew that he wanted to be a medical doctor from a young age, earning him the nickname of “Doc”. He never let go of that intention, immediately pursuing higher education at Creighton University, and subsequently graduating from Medical School at the University of Kansas in 1969.

His internship and residency took him to New York, NY. He quickly became an esteemed psychiatrist in the local hospitals, pioneering advocacy for patient care. While acting as the attending psychiatrist at Metropolitan Hospital and clinical instructor at the affiliated New York Medical college, he witnessed patient abuses that he subsequently brought to light in an expose that was featured in the New York Times, setting the stage for widespread patient care reform in the hospital. A few years later, he did the same at New York’s Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center. In another New York Times piece, he and his colleagues were highlighted for establishing the Assessment, Consultation, and Assignment Unit at Bronx State Hospital which screened incoming patients to provide curated mental health care; eliminating the previous “one treatment for all” approach of the hospitals from decades past.

When he wasn’t working in New York, he could often be found taking friends down the Hudson River in his boat. Many lifelong memories, and hundreds of hilarious stories, generated from Keith’s river cruises.

Shortly after his son Miles was born in 1981, Keith relocated to Riverside, CA. He served as the Chief of Psychiatry at Riverside General Hospital, eventually transitioning to the Knollwood Psychiatric Facility. He later opened his private practice in 1997 where he continued to care for his patients. Keith truly cared for his patients and considered psychiatry his life calling. He was frequently asked when he would finally retire, and he would say “when I can no longer hear well enough to help”. That day never came during his life, and he still maintained a cherished and robust practice at his time of passing.

Over the years, Keith enjoyed more than his professional life. He loved spending time with his son Miles and watching him grow. Over the years, he enjoyed outdoor fitness, boating down the Hudson River, horseback riding, sculpting, art, architecture, Spanish fluency, yoga, and travel. He was especially fond of exploring the Caribbean islands (Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico) and Japan. Not to be forgotten was his love of spending time at Lake Placid in Missouri and Laguna Beach, CA.

His greatest joys later in life were his grandchildren. His smile never shone brighter than when he was with them. So many of his traditions with them will be terribly missed. His annual Christmas day “concert” where he assembled the kids into a band and taught them to perform Christmas songs. His animated book reading. His foot fights on the couch. His peanut butter cookies. His custom decorated snack bags every Friday when he would pick them up from school. His absence will loom large in this space.

Keith’s legacy will always be one of selfless contribution to the lives of others. Whether it was his family, his son, his friends, or his patients, he enhanced the lives of those around him. While he is no longer with us, the spirit of his care, compassion, and courage lives on in those that benefitted from the privilege of knowing him.

Keith was preceded in death by parents Wilma & Chris Turner and sister, Saundra J. Turner-Walker.

Left to cherish his memory is son Miles & daughter-in-law Julie, grandchildren Mila(10), Ava(8), Mak(4), & Bronson(2), sister Marilyn Beauchamp, and a host of cousins & friends.