Keith Ulland
March 25, 1959 ~ January 24, 2013
Keith E. Ulland was born March 25, 1959 in Mayville, ND. He left us peacefully in the arms of the Lord surrounded by his loving family in Moorhead, MN Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. Keith was under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Keith graduated from Hillsboro High School. He lived in the cities for the past 30 years.
Keith worked for Opportunity Partners for 18 years, first as a residential instructor at Clara Doerrl Linley Hall residence, where he taught independent living skills to disabled adults, so they could gain the independence necessary to live in their own apartments.
In 1999 Keith helped open Vincent House, a program he ran until this past September when he took his leave of absence to battle cancer. During his time at Opportunity Partners Keith was very engaged in grassroots political activity on disability related issues and was a strong supporter of self-advocacy for the people he worked with, encouraging them to get their voices heard at the State Capital as well as in Washington DC in front of federal representatives.
Keith was a past winner of the prestigious Association of Residential Resources Minnesota (ARRM) recognizing the top direct support staff in the state of Minnesota as well a winner of the OP Directors award honoring his dedication to enriching the lives of people with disabilities.
Recently the Vincent House was renamed in Keith’s honor “Keith’s Place.”
Keith is survived by his mother, Adaline Tate, Dilworth, MN; father, Truman (Diane), Mayville, ND; sister, Cindy (Richard) Kraft, Moorhead, MN; brothers, Steve (Lynn), Moorhead, MN, Merle (Carolyn), Ramsey, MN, Jason, West Fargo, ND; nieces, Danielle, Lindsay, Evin, Morgan; nephews, Nicholas, Ace, Eli. He had a very special place in his heart for Danielle and Nicholas, who he considered his children, and for a great-nephew, Sylas who he adored.
Keith was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and true friend to everyone, who he considered his extended family. A celebration of his life will be held this summer.
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Hillsboro ND
Old and dear friend from years ago, how shocked I was to see that he had passed. Keith became a part of our circle of friends prior to his moving to the Minneapolis area in the early 80’s. In a sense, we entered adulthood together, influenced who each of us in the circle became, and shared in some of the most meaningful moments of our lives. Through years of marriages, relocations, children, divorces, deaths, our circle unfortunately had lost touch. What a spectrum of emotions went through me as I read the obituary. I had missed his wonderful achievements and accomplishments, as well as missed the opportunity to give him love and support, when he possilby needed it the most, as he fought this last battle with cancer. Oh, how I wish I would have known. If I have drawn anything positive from this, it is that I have contacted several people from our circle in attempts to reconnect with old, “misplaced” friends. Once again, I can thank Keith for doing something special for me because of his big heart. To his family, I send my deepest sympathy for your loss. His absence will undoubtedly leave a tremendous void for those who loved him. Rest in peace, old and dear friend, Keith. I will cherish all of our times together and all of your warm and wonderful gifts that you have given so many people. Barb (Anderson) Hultin
Lakewood CO Keith was a wonderful friend who taught me a lesson in acceptance and compassion when I was in my formative years. I owe him a debt of gratitude for shaping who I am and how I see others. He truly made a difference in my life.
Portland North Dakota
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
It looks like Keith was a very positive influence on many people. He will be missed by many. Blessed be his memory.
Fargo ND
Keith was my special freind from the first time I met him. He knew I loved flowers, many times when my doorbell rang I would wonder who could that be? There was my special friend Keith, with those beautiful flowers. He also remembered me with the most beautiful scarf which I treasure very much. I will remember him in my prayers always.
I am so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Keith was always so kind. I extend my deepest sympathy to Cindy and the rest of the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. May you cherish all the wonderful memories you shared with your beloved Keith.
Edina MN
I knew Keith was a rare breed when I first met him. There was no one better to champion independence for our shared clients than Keith. He was, and will continue to be an inspiration of selflessness and courage for many.
New Town ND
Keith will certainly leave his mark on this world. He left a legacy of helping people and being positive about those less fortunate mentally and physically. We spent many holidays and vacations with Keith and he helped me in many ways. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My mom, Margaret loved Keith very much and prayed for him daily. She will be happy to see him. My children have good memories of Keith also and send their condolences: Lee, Miriah and Luke.
West Fargo ND
I worked with Keith at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo in the early 80’s. So sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. It is truely wonderful to hear of his accomplishments after our work together. It doesn’t surprise me of his generous and selfless work with others with disabilities. Keith always had a big heart and would do anything for his friends and “the underdog”…..I was proud to be his friend and co-worker….I had tried to contact him a few times for our St. John’s reunions, but unfortunately never had any luck. I would like his family to know he was, indeed, a very special young man, whom I was proud to call my friend…….RIP Keith.
My sympathy to the family on your loss.
Fargo ND
Keith was one of the most kind person that I have ever met.Everytime you saw him he had a great smile and a good hug.
I am honored to have him as part of our family. Keith we we will never forget you you will always be in my heart.
Laura has said what our whole family is feeling about Keith, who was SO special to us all.
The Kellars
Mendota Heights MN
Blessing and love to Keith Ulland
Moorhead MN
Keith was a wonderful man who made everyone he met feel loved and special. He was always very thoughtful and generous with his talents, from his beautiful flower arrangents to the potato salad and salsa that he would lovingly prepare. His gifts came from his heart and you could feel that he cared deeply about his family and friends. He will be deeply misse by our entire family. It was a privelege to have you in our family and to be part of our lives. Until we meet again,you will live in our hearts! Love you and will miss you Keith!
acapulco mEXICOKeith was a very special and a very hard worker, to everyone who knew him..
we shared some wonderfully fun times in our life.
I am blessed to have known him ..
May we embrace the good of Keith, and honor his courage.
hugs Keith,,,, there was a full moon too.
xoxox
Fargo ND
I know Keith touched many people’s live’s and there is definately less light in their world now. He will be remembered with “Love” by his family and friends.
Lake Park MN
Keith was the most loving kindest thoughtful person you would want to know he had such a huge impact on so many lives specially my mother Lillian he meant a lot to her she will truly miss his kind words and the flowers he always brought her he will be missed by so many especially by his sister best friend Cindy heaven truly got a special angel I will miss you my friend till we meet again in heaven love you and miss you
Brenda
ocean view hiMy heart breaks for Keith’s family. He will be so missed.He was such a loving kind man. I didn’t get to know him as well as I would have liked to, but anyone who met him could immediately see what a kind loving individual he was. His smile was infectious and the love of life twinkled in his eyes. Rest well now and we will see you in paradise.
I am so overjoyed at having had the opportunity to know Keith. He was an honorary member of our family. I can hardly imagine what my brother’s life would have been like without him. He has done more for adults with disabilities than anyone I know.
Everywhere Keith went, he sowed seeds of love, and he was always “his brother’s keeper”. That love has now self-seeded into perpetuity and will always be here. He really did change the world for the better. It is up to all of us to continue our lives, sharing all of the blessings that came with him. That way, his love will always be with us. I will miss you, Keith, but you are only as far away as love.
moorhead mnMy dear Keith. My wonderful brother and friend. U will be forever in my heart. I miss u so much.