Keith Johnson
August 2, 1948 ~ April 28, 2021
Born in:
Chicago, IL
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Keith Johnson, age 72, of Hamden, passed away on April 28, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Becky, sons Benjamin and Whitney, 3 grandchildren, and his brother Gary Johnson of Waco, Texas; extended family and the photography community that was so important to him. Prior to retirement Keith was the New England sales representative for Zeiss lenses. More importantly, he was a uniquely talented photographic artist, mentor, friend and educator who exhibited his work in galleries across the US and held a number of photographic residencies. He received his MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, MBA from the University of New Haven and supported his fine art making as a consultant in the northeast and as a summer workshop faculty member. He was an excellent chef and lover of music. He observed the world through his photographic eye, often finding the humor in man’s alteration of the cultural landscape.
His family thanks the Advanced Heart Failure Team at Yale-New Haven Hospital for their compassion and support. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association. A celebration of Keith’s life will take place when it is safe to do so. Arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
Dear Becky and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
As time passes, it is my hope that your sadness will be replaced by wonderful and joyful memories of a life well lived.
So sorry, Becky, to read of Keith’s passing.
From the time we first met in the ICU in 1989 and for years thereafter, Keith did so well.
He was a friend- always great to talk to about family or photography or life. Always smiling and optimistic. I’m sorry that his last years were so difficult.
May he rest in peace, and may time bring you and your family comfort.
Best,
Don
Becky,
I was so sad to learn that Keith passed away. He and I shared many years and many stories. There are so many good things I remember about Keith. Among them, I will always remember his caring about others, his love for his family and his efforts (not always successful) to help me become a better photographer. That meant a lot to me.
This is a terrible loss and I wish I could have been with you during this time. You will be in my thoughts.
Steve Brenner
Dear Becky, I’m so sorry for the loss of Keith. Take comfort in the wonderful memories that he left you and your family. I keep you all in my prayers.
Our condolences to the family on this loss. Although distance kept us from seeing each other as often as we would have liked, you were never far from our thoughts. We certainly treasured the time we did get to be together. Wishing peace to the family.
I was one of Keith’s students at Paier College of Art. He was a terrific professor; always enthusiastic, supportive, and fun, and everyone enjoyed his classes. It was great seeing him now and then over the years, when we would run into each other at shows, etc. It felt like old times. His big heart, love for teaching, and knowledge of photography influenced so many of us ~ we were a lucky group of students.
Dear Becky & Family,
My heart goes out to you as you mourn Keith’s passing and now the sad anniversary. I was honored to be a small part of your lives as I babysat Ben & Whit as babies. I’ll always have the fondest memories of time spent with you all- from Paier to your Hamden home to summer on Nantucket. Keith was well loved & is deeply missed. Love you all.
Dear Becky and family,
I am shocked and a bit embarrassed that I’m only learning about Keith’s passing now. So deeply saddened that he was taken at much too young an age. He had so much to contribute to the field of photography and produced much amazing work. I was a big fan of his work. We shared a mutual friend Stan. Keith always had such fascinating insight into the Still image and I always enjoyed our conversations especially about Americana. I knew a little bit of what was going on. Please know that he has left a big impact and will not be forgotten.