October 13, 1964 �" March 21, 2010
Our beloved friend, gifted artist, Naraya dancer and faerie urban gardener, Keith Allen O' Bea left us Sunday morning, the 2nd day of spring, at Maitri in San Francisco. He transitioned peacefully from end-stage liver disease. He is survived by his mother, Miki Rice of Blairsville, Georgia, his father Dennis O' Bea of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and sister, Kathleen Hill of St. Petersburg.
Keith studied art and design at Broward County Community College before moving to San Francisco in 1986. He worked at the Macy's Union Square men's store until November 2009. Keith adopted the name Lightning Raven to further his spiritual practice and participated in the Naraya, "an ancient dance of healing and spiritual communion of the Great Basin Plateau Native American culture."
He danced at the Wolf Creek Sanctuary in Oregon for the past ten years. He also attended monthly Gay Spirit drum circles. Keith's San Francisco extended family, Jack Van Alstyne, Karen Shore, Ed Wyre, Peter Tannen and David Strachan will greatly miss his sweet presence.
Contributions in Lightning Raven's memory can be made to the Naraya Cultural Preservation Council, Box 6089, Pocatello, ID 83205 or www.ncpc.info.