Obituaries

Keith Charles Mohler, 62

July 29, 2014

Keith Charles Mohler, whose life was devoted to his twin passions of jazz and animal welfare, died early Tuesday morning at Lancaster Regional Medical Center from complications of lung cancer.

Keith, who lived outside Mountville with his partner Laura Roberts, was 62.

Born in Lancaster, Keith was the son of Gladys Charles Mohler, of Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, and Kenneth Lee Mohler, who died in 2011.

Keith was exceptionally bright and inquisitive, with an acerbic and often self-deprecating wit. He was known by his many friends for his deep sense of loyalty and relentless persistence. Keith loved to be outside, running and biking the winding roads of Manor Township. Though he was frustrated with his teams performance this year, Keith was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan.

In his teen years, he enjoyed playing sports — excelling in riflery — and playing the electric bass in area rock and soul groups.

He graduated from Hempfield High School in 1970. After briefly attending Washington & Lee, Keith then enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where his musical interest switched to jazz and the upright bass.

During the years immediately after college, Keith toured nationally with several organizations, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Keith then came off the road, beginning to establish himself as one of the leading jazz bassists in the region while developing a second career as a pioneering animal-welfare advocate, becoming an enforcement officer.

Keith worked tirelessly to introduce jazz to area nightspots, establishing long running and highly popular series at places such as the East of Eden (now The Waterfront), the former P.J. Matthews Restaurant downtown and the Eden Resort Inn.

Most recently, he founded a regular jazz series at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and the ongoing Jazz in the Sky series, held first at the Fulton Opera House and now at the Ware Center.
These events brought leading jazz musicians from New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and overseas to Lancaster to perform with rhythm sections anchored by Keith, a steady, responsive and creative player whose presence attracted both fellow musicians and fans.

Keith also was a board member of the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, a nonprofit that holds concerts, jam sessions and youth programs, and was instrumental in bringing the CPFJ’s annual festival to Lancaster several times.

His second but equal passion was serving as a protector of animal rights, working with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office to enforce state animal-cruelty prohibitions.
Keith became a cruelty investigator for the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2013.

Before that, he spent 18 years as an animal cruelty officer for the Humane League of Lancaster County.
Keith started his work with animals as state-approved humane officer and a worker for Farm Sanctuary, eventually becoming president of its Pennsylvania chapter, calling attention to conditions at the Lancaster Stockyards, the annual live pigeon shoot at Hegins, Schuylkill County, and elsewhere.
Keith’s contribution and connection to the community were underscored by the public response to a benefit for him at the Ware Center two weeks ago. The event drew nearly 300 people. Keith will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved him.

Memorial service will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Farm Sanctuary, PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, New York 14891 or Pennsylvania SPCA, 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134 or Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, 5721 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

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Condolences to the Family

August 07, 2014

Keith, may your spirit soar to the sound of the good music you so loved and shared with us. Your leaving us is a great sorrow and such a loss. Thank you for having given your energy and love to those who have no voice. We’ll never forget your work in behalf of the animals and the advancement of jazz. 
Rena Grimmer & Mike Patton
 

August 05, 2014

Dear Mrs. Mohler & Laura, we know that Keith suffered a lot in the last few months, and wish that his road had been easier. Although we knew he had been very ill, we were surprised to hear of his passing, since Steph had seen him out of bed just the day before. We only got to know him in the last 10 years, and as we knew him more (especially after seeing him at the gym), we grew to appreciate his subtle humor and wit. We will miss his special skills on the bass, and his abilities to organize great music at our local clubs. We are so very sorry for your loss. Tom & Stephanie Yentsch
 

August 04, 2014

Mrs. Mohler & Laura,
I am so saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. We worked together at the Humane League and have kept in touch ever since. Keith’s compassion for protecting animals and seeking justice for the ones who were abused was amazing. I know what horrific cruelty he witnessed in his job but he continued on for the sake of the animals. They have lost a true hero. I knew Keith was ill but I did not realize how ill he was, and I am so sorry for your loss. I spoke to him a few months ago and I’m glad that I had that oppurtunity to talk to him. I would see him sometimes at the Eden or other venues in Lancaster and he was an amazing musican. I will remember his satire and sense of humor. I will never forget some of the cases he worked and how all of the staff assisted in some of the big cases.
He will be greatly missed by many (humans and animals). RIP Keith,
Jenny Heberlein

August 03, 2014

Dear Mrs. Mohler and Laura.  My heart is breaking over the loss of Keith.  I have known him for years, we worked together at the HLLC and he took me on many cruelty calls with him because he knew and understood my passion for animal welfare.  We also worked together in the fight against Hegins pigeon shoot.  Keith also played at our wedding reception, he was the hit of the party.  I remember many good times with him and loved seeing him at the gym.  Laura, if you need anything, shoot me an email, I love right around the corner from you.  hachmo@yahoo.com.  RIP Keith, I know you are in the heavens surrounded by thousands of our furry friends.  Thanks for all you did.  I will miss you,
Suzanne Harman
 
 
 
 

August 03, 2014

We are saddened to learn of Keith’s passing, The animals of Lancaster County have lost a very persistent advocate. Keith has been an interesting neighbor to us for well over 20 years. We will miss him and hope Laura remains a neighbor. Please accept our condolances and let us know what we can do to help you.
Rick and Patti Colyer

August 02, 2014

I grew up with Keith.  What a great guy! He displayed a deep sense of caring for other people as well as for all the animals he protected through his dedicated work.  He also had a terrific sense of humor that was all his own.  In addition, he was an outstanding bassist who really knew his stuff.  My most sincere condolences go out to Gladys, Laura, and all of Keith’s many friends.  He certainly will be missed by all of us… Dan Mekeel

August 02, 2014

keith was one of the neatest guys i ever knew and a great friend for many years. he and i and judge roth loved to get together when possible and discuss current events, latest endeavors, and idiots. he was a great friend, a great man, a phenomenal musician and a fine law enforcement officer. one of my best friends is almost 80 and an accomplished musician and shared with me many years ago that keith was one of the finest bassists in america. God speed keith….you will be sorely missed by myself and many others….and thank you for some fabulous memories. your friend always, John R. Lutz
 

August 02, 2014

Dear Gladys and Laura,
I am so saddened to hear of Keith’s passing.  I am honored to have shared countless hours on the bandstand with him.  He was a great musician and a tireless promoter of the music we loved so much. 
I will also cherish the many hours we spent on the telephone working through life’s ups and downs.  He was a true friend.
While I was not aware of his work with animals in our early years, I was so impressed by his devotion to animal welfare when we reconnected several years ago. Just as he was a stellar musican, so he was in looking after the well being of animals. 
Lancaster County has lost a true giant.
My deepest condolences to you both.
Fred Hughes

August 02, 2014

Shorty !     i was soooo sad to see that Kase had passed away  oh my gosh!  I did not even know he was sick.  I am so sorry for you, and would love to come visit you next week     please send me an email   snooz59@aol.com     love you, snooz   or  linda hollinger deibler.

August 02, 2014

Gladys, We are so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing.  Our love and prayers are with you. We were not aware of Keith’s illness. Please give us a call sometime.  Keith is in a much better place, wrapped in the arms of God.
Arlene Witmer Myer
Janie Witmer
Carolyn Witmer Weaver

August 01, 2014

 
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful friend Keith.  I meet Keith – years ago – while waiting my turn to take my dog into an exam room at our vet’s office.  Keith quickly entered the vets office holding a very battered and bloody kitten that some kids had been using as a ball in a “game” of baseball.  While Keith was soft spoken and remained calm, I was so impressed by how personally concerned he was with this victimized kitten.  I was in Keith’s presence for all of 2 – 3 minutes but his passion for saving that little kitten left a permanent impression on me.
 
I am sure Keith’s spirit will always be with the people who knew him best.  You will all be in my prayers and thoughts.
 
 

August 01, 2014

We didn’t know Keith personnally but we got to know him through his music.We became regulars at Jazz sessions at the Ware Center and the Fulton Opera House.We met Keith a couple times at the shows.Keith will be greatly missed….John & Debbie McLaughlin

August 01, 2014

I knew Keith’s dad growing up … he was our Queen Dairy milkman. Keith’s dad told me all about the Junior NRA Rifle Club on Beaver Street and that’s where I first met Keith.
He was an awesome shot! Later in years, we both became intrested in rock bands and I would run into Keith via the Lancaster music scene over the many years that we’d played. I last seen and spoke with Keith at a reception at the Lancaster at the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design.
Keith and I reminised about our early years growing up as though we had stayed in contact all these years ….. even though we hadn’t. I always admired his skills and capabilities as a musician and the kind and passionate heart that he exhibited and fought for in the care and treatment of animals.
He truely will be missed.
Doug Phillips, drummer of the Sharks

August 01, 2014

Dear Mrs. Mohler,
I was so sad to hear the news about Keith.  Although I haven’t been in touch with him since we graduated from high school, I’ve thought of him many times over the years, and I’ll always remember him fondly as a kind-hearted, funny, thoughtful childhood friend.
A mutual friend recently sent me an article about the benefit concert for Keith at the Ware Center.  It was wonderful to read how admired and well-respected he was, not only for his musical talent and commitment, but also for his work in animal welfare.  He obviously lived a good life full of purpose and compassion.
I am so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Mohler, and please extend my condolences to Keith’s friends.  I know he will be dearly missed.
Sincerely, Joanne Desch Fredrick

August 01, 2014

In the Summer of 1971 I put my first band together comprised of Keith, Mitch Cooper, and Nelson Lawrence. We also played in a show band called The New Sound Express in the early 70s. I always new Keith was not the average musician . He was a step above most of us. I’m pretty sure was responcibe for a name that haunts me today “Lovy Reefer” . I’ll end by saying that Keith could get more chews from a stick of gum than anyone I know. R.I.P. unless your listening to music, in that case crank up the volume. …. Roy Lefever

August 01, 2014

I met Keith while still in high school as we were both included on a recording session in Lancaster and played together in bands in the summer months. We both separately migrated to Boston to attend Berklee (I pursued entry in large part because Keith raved about the college) and shared a house in Auburndale for a few years. Keith returned to Lancaster after college while I stayed in Boston, finally returning in 2005. I didn’t see Keith very often since I’ve been back but when I did it was like no time had passed at all. Those of us who knew Keith know exactly what I’m talking about. I’ll miss you Keith, as a musician but more importantly, as a dear friend. My condolences to you Gladys. If there’s anything you need or that I can do please let me know.

 

Mitch Cooper

August 01, 2014

Dear Mrs. Mohler, I am so sad and sorry to hear of Keith’s death. My husband, Dennis and I were at the Ware Center at his benefit, and I saw you, but there was such a crush of people at the reception that we could not get up front. It was a wonderful event, and you must have been so proud to hear all the touching tributes to him. I was always so glad that Keith and I kept in contact all these years. He would call me at least once a year to catch up, and I saw him at various music venues throughout the years.

When I think of Keith, we are always young………we are driving around in Otis, his Mustang, or laughing with you and Mr. Mohler and Elam around the table. You were wonderful to me and treated me like a daughter. Keith was the love of my youth, and as I type this through my tears, I think of a wonderful poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay…….the last lines are:

I only know that summer sang in me

A little while, that in me sings no more.

 

With much love and in fond remembrance, Marie Pearson Dezort 

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