Keith Nyland

Waynesville, Keith Ryan Nyland, 75, passed away peacefully after complications from a heart attack on Friday, March 31, 2017; surrounded by family and friends. Keith was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Russell and Alberta Nyland on May 5, 1941. Music travel and history were Keith's longtime loves. He shared music and comedy acts with his friends, and audiences. Keith played the violin in high school then the banjo for church events and comedy routines. A longtime member of Vaud-Villities Productions in Columbus, Ohio, he sang in the men's glee club for nearly 40 years. He also sang in the Maple Grove United Methodist Church choir and was a member of the acting troupe, Maple Grove Players, while in Columbus. After moving to North Carolina, Keith sang with The Land of Sky Chorus (the Asheville group where he was member for nearly 10 years); he was also part of the Haywood Community Chorus and the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. Keith graduated from Ohio's Baldwin Wallace University with a B.A. in History and Political Science, the University of Chicago with a master's degree then completed his Ph.D. in American and British History at The Ohio State University in 1971. He taught at the high school and college levels, teaching history at Ohio University. His love for American and world history prompted Keith's extensive travels to over 50 countries. He and his wife Kris Wiard Nyland, helped others during trips hosted by the Global Volunteers, teaching conversational English in China, South Africa, Cook Islands, St. Lucia and Italy. His parents and his older brother, Bruce Nyland, preceded Keith in death. Keith is survived by, his wife of 25 years, Kris; daughter, Heidi Nyland Melocco, daughter of Carolyn Nyland; son-in-law, Jared Melocco; granddaughter, Savannah Melocco; and friends and family who will miss his comedy and laughter. A celebration of Keith's life is planned at 11:00 a.m. on April 22, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. All are invited to stay for a reception then lunch will follow for close family and friends. RSVP for the lunch at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pXldb3MEuiXU9Sqj5sX7NStXmdJ01FymJVEyakLCDQM/edit#gid=2 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio, www.alsohio.org or Guiding Eyes for the Blind, www.guidingeyes.org. Both organizations helped Keith's friends and held a special place in his heart.

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