Keith Arundel McLusky, age 84, passed away at his home in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, on February 3, 2022 following a battle with cancer.
Born February 21, 1937 in Halifax, Yorkshire, England to Eirene and Robert McLusky, Keith was the oldest of four (siblings: Andrea Simpson, Robin McLusky, and Helen Bearcroft).
He grew up in Exeter, Devon, where he attended Hele’s School and achieved the Queen’s Scout Award. Following his National Service in the Army Intelligence Corps, he attended Cambridge University, where he received BA and MA degrees with honors in Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Psychology. He met the love of his life, Diana Walker, a nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, while at Cambridge. They were married in Ipswich, Suffolk on March 3, 1962 and honeymooned in Keith’s favorite corner of the world, England’s Lake District. Together, they raised two children, Becky and Catherine (Brent) Johnston, later welcoming two grandchildren, Andrew and Emma.
Keith channeled his aptitude for languages (gaining fluency in seven) into a business career that spanned several continents. He started as a sales trainee with Beecham Group in 1961, advancing to senior international management positions at Wilkinson Sword, Alfred Dunhill, Rothmans International, Sheaffer Eaton/Textron, and Berol Corporation, a career that took him all over the world and his family from England to Italy, to Brazil and various states in the United States before eventually settling down in Tennessee, where he established his own consulting company, ISCA, Inc.
Keith was a lifelong learner, generous with his time and talent. In retirement, he was very active with Toastmasters International, earning the Distinguished Toastmaster award and holding various elected offices. He volunteered many hours at the Nashville Airport (Flying Aces), the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (docent) and for the past twelve years was a docent at the Frist Art Museum. He relished the opportunity to engage his mind and impart knowledge to others.
Keith always threw himself wholeheartedly into his interests and those of his family. Alongside Diana, sharing a passion for birds and wildlife, he hiked many miles, returning more than once to the Lake District. Ever the student and teacher, he organized detailed travel itineraries for friends and family. He came to love all the dogs that were brought into his life by Diana and Becky. Keith found immense joy in both his grandchildren and was a hands-on grandpa. He was so proud to mark Andrew and Emma’s milestones and support their dreams. He was beyond thrilled to see his granddaughter accepted at his alma mater.
Cremation will be private. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith’s memory to the River Stour Trust (www.riverstourtrust.org/about/), the Friends of Warner Parks bird program (www.warnerparks.org), or the Keswick Mountain Rescue (www.keswickmrt.org.uk).
Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road, and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com
