PrintDec. 23--KINGWOOD -- Keith Pitzer, executive director of Friends of the Cheat, died Tuesday in Kingwood. Pitzer led the watershed preservation and restoration organization for eight years, coworkers said, and served on its board of directors before taking the executive director's position.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.
"Keith was really a visionary," said Jessica Zamias, monitoring and mapping coordinator for Friends of the Cheat. "And he was an amazing multitasker."
Zamias said he worked not only on cleaning up acid mine drainage in Cheat River tributaries but also to develop a rail-trail in Preston County and on the Preston site where a former coal prep plant will offer public access to the Cheat River.
"What was amazing is that he pursued all those things and stayed focused on the Friends of the Cheat mission statement. And the community benefited.
"He had patience and determination to see all these projects through," she said, "because they didn't happen in a day. They took four, five, six years. And he created partnerships and worked with everyone."
Zamias said his ability to work with people amazed her. "He extended himself and he was patient, and sometimes it's difficult to be like that. And he came to work every single day loving his job."
Pitzer's many visions are only now becoming a reality, she said, including the outdoor classroom and pavilion at the Cheat River Festival site, along the river near Albright.
Held annually in May, Cheat Fest is the organization's primary fundraiser and draws thousands to the river with music, art and food. "And he didn't make it just a boater festival," Zamias said. "He really involved the community."
Pitzer is also known around the state for his music. He and his wife, Joan, performed as The Pitzers, and with one of their sons, Jake, as String Fever. The couple celebrated their 30th anniversary in January.
Keith and Joan also performed with Alice Fleischman and Mike Broderick as Wolf Creek Session. Pitzer played guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and harmonica.
"What an honor and a pleasure it was to have played with someone as talented and good-natured as Keith," Fleischman said. "He was so creative and humble and insightful and great with his instrument."
Fleischman said most of the music Pitzer performed was original, and he kept writing for as long as he was able. Rick Chaney also played music with Pitzer and said he was a mentor to him and a good friend.
"Keith had an unparalled passion and energy. He just brought so much to the table, you just thought it was a gift every time you got to play with him. He was such a special person and probably one of the most inspirational people I ever met. He's a special breed."
FOC Associate Director Janet Lenox has known Pitzer for 20 years.
"Keith has been a great friend and co-worker," she said. "His ability to give everything he has into something he cares about, and doing it well, whether it be music, family, friends, work or shearing our sheep, amazed me. Keith will always be an inspiration in my life."
"What a beautiful creature and a wonderful soul," Fleischman said.
Amanda Lachowski is education program coordinator for Friends of Deckers Creek and president of Arts Council of Preston County. She has known the Pitzers for four and a half years.
"Keith was absolutely one of the best, most complete men I have ever known," she said. "His ethics, empathy and drive to make our world a happier, healthier place for everyone is astonishing and inspiring. He had an endless passion to learn and a down-to-earth, compassionate leadership ability."
Lachowski said that Pitzer "has left an impressive legacy of work that is yet to be finished. Through his music, watershed work, family and the countless people he touched he will live on. I find comfort in that and know that I and many others will strive to make him proud. I will miss you, Keith."
Pitzer was 55. He leaves his wife; four sons, Seth, Zach, Jake and Jesse; a granddaughter, Lillian May, and a grandson, Gavin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of the Cheat at 119 S. Price St., Suite 206, Kingwood, WV 26537.
A memorial service is planned for the spring.
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