Keith Vincent Azuma

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he attended Lane Technical High School, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (Circle) where he was an Edmund James Scholar. He also developed a talent for early computer technology, which became his career. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973, he worked at Kraftco Inc. in Glenview, Illinois, Centel Utilities (later Sprint) in Chicago, Wilson Sporting Goods in River Grove, Illinois, and Motorola Inc, in Schaumburg Illinois. Motorola Inc. transferred him to their Scottsdale Arizona location in 1993. He lived in Arizona since, retiring from his computer work after 11 years at Salt River Project of Phoenix.

Since moving to Arizona in 1993, he had an interest for the plants that survive despite the harsh desert environment. Many of his friends were survivors of harsh lives. He was a survivor too, of the Wuhan virus in 2020.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Eleanor (Burns) Azuma (1950-1999). They enjoyed a shared curiosity about ancient civilizations, highlighted by a trip to Chichen Itza to hike the Mayan ruins. Some of his pictures of this trip were used by one of Eleanor’s university professors as examples of Mayan architecture.

In his later years, Keith found companionship, love and happiness with his life partner, Susana Ibarra. Together they enjoyed building a life together filled with love, companionship, laughter, and the simple pleasures of everyday living. Their beloved cat, Oliver, was a constant source of comfort and affection.

A brother, Scott, (1957-2002) also precedes him in death.

He is survived by his life partner, Susana Ibarra of Mesa, Arizona; brothers Dennis and Bruce; and sister Cynthia Moy, all of Illinois. He was also lovingly accompanied by his cherished cat, Oliver