Keith Carney's Passing

Keith Carney, 73, died February 13, 2004 at his home after battling cancer for seven years. He was born November 17^th, 1930, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. After receiving a diploma from Emmetsburg Junior College in 1951, he enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1952, serving two years at Fort Bliss, Texas and attaining the rank of corporal. Keith earned BA and MA degrees from what is now the University of Northern Iowa and taught in Iowa schools before taking a position at Southern Oregon University in 1965 as a teacher of accounting. By 1976 he had earned a Ph D in business education from Northern Colorado University.

In 1957 he married Charlotte Faye Mortimer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together they raised four sons: Steven, Michael, Robert and Brian. Keith and Charlotte were proud grandparents to10 grandchildren. Keith and Charlotte believed their close knit family to be their ultimate legacy.

During his tenure at SOU Keith served as coordinator of the accounting area and also as an Oregon CPA and Municipal Auditor. In 1983 he became Dean of the School of Business, serving in that capacity for 11 years prior to his retirement in 1994. Keith saw teaching as a high calling, and as a teacher he was known to be both rigorous and fair, and unfailing in his desire to help students succeed. As an administrator Keith was noted for his tolerance and his effectiveness in representing the interests of the school while at the same time being sensitive to the needs of faculty in other academic disciplines. He was blessed with a full measure of common sense and a compelling need to have work done well.

Keith’s quiet geniality and good humor insured that he had friends in all of the University’s academic areas. Following retirement he continued to be an active student of history and current events. In the face of great difficulties he maintained a brave spirit, living his life as richly and fully as possible. He will be sorely missed.