Howard Craig Keyes

Howard Craig Keyes, Jr., better known to his friends and family as Craig, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 

Craig was born November 29, 1940 in Bellingham, WA to Dr. Howard and Elizabeth Keyes. He attended Bellingham High School, excelling on the gridiron and the track, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Washington. He volunteered to serve his country in the US Army as a fixed-wing pilot, flying missions overseas in the Vietnam War. In the early 1970s, Craig was involved in a serious mountain climbing accident and survived in the remote wilderness with a shattered ankle for several days. The recovery from this accident and design of his own prosthetic inspired Craig to pursue a career as a prosthetist/orthotist. He enjoyed working with his hands on biomechanical innovations and connecting with people. Craig earned a second degree at NYU and found his long-term career at Cascade Prosthetics and Orthotics where he worked for 25 years, impacting the lives of many patients. Craig met the love of his life, Julianne Simpson, on a vacation in Palm Springs, CA. They married in 1988 and settled down in Bellingham to raise a family. Craig was a proud father to his two children. If questioned about his biggest accomplishments in life, Erin and Sean would be the easy answer. 

Craig was passionate about the outdoors. He could often be found mountaineering, cycling, skiing, or playing tennis. He even invented a uni ski, which looked like a water ski, for bombing down the slopes at Mount Baker. Craig was also instilled with a love of music. He enjoyed singing, both in community groups and with family and friends, as well as playing the violin, mandolin, and guitar. Craig was a dedicated member of St. James Presbyterian Church, singing with Julianne in the choir. He was also a master gardener, cultivating apples and grapes, and fashioning raised beds and green houses to protect his tomatoes from the critters in the back yard. Craig felt a tender connection to those less fortunate than he was. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to volunteer work with organizations such as Lighthouse Mission, Bellingham Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity, helping to build tiny homes, and reading to children through the Opportunity Council. He will also be remembered fondly for his sense of style - Birkenstocks, ties from the 1960s, and Aloha shirts that brightened up a room. 

Craig had a heart of gold, a twinkle in his eye, and a mischievous streak. His zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and joy will never be forgotten.

Craig was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Elizabeth Keyes of Bellingham and his sister, Sarah Keyes Calmus of Mercer Island, WA. Survivors include his wife, Julianne Keyes of Bellingham; his daughter, Erin Keyes Libuit, her husband, Wesley, and their two children, Lily and Luke of Los Altos, CA; his son, Sean Keyes, also of Bellingham; his niece, Mary Calmus Pasierb, her husband Mark, and two children of Darien, CT; and his nephew, John Calmus, his wife Holly, and their four children of Trumbull, CT. Last but not least, Craig is survived by his rambunctious, affable goldendoodle, Toby.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Craig can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Bellingham Food Bank, or Lighthouse Mission.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St, Bellingham, WA .