|
A Tribute to Keith Haynie
Wed., Jul. 22. 2009 10:57am EDT
Our bass player, Keith Haynie, celebrated his birthday last week. Well, he probably would have celebrated more enthusiastically if he could stop the birthdays from coming every year, but they come anyway. Keith has been with ApologetiX since October 1995. In that time, he's played over 1000 concerts in all 50 states.
Like many bass players, Keith is a quiet guy who stays in the background, so many fans don't realize what an awesome guy he is. ApologetiX alumnus Bob Flaherty, who played drums during Keith's first three years with the band and ran sound for us years later, wrote the following tribute to Keith and asked us to share it with you:
Who is Keith Haynie? He's a Godly man. He's a great husband, he's an awesome dad, he's my friend.
I met Keith on October 6, 1995. He was auditioning for ApologetiX as a bass player at a concert in Weston WV. He was very quiet. I was impressed with his playing because J had told Keith that we would be playing mostly a classic rock set but we ended up playing a lot of new 90's rock. Keith persevered and did great. J loved him and Keith was in. Keith played well; he was steady and had great timing. I wanted to play like him.
As time went on I got to know Keith and developed a deep respect for him. It's impossible to be around him and not like him. He's funny, no, not funny, funny doesn't do him justice – he's hilarious, arguably the funniest person I have ever met. I could go on for pages with some of the comical things he has said but it wouldn't be enough. It's his timing that makes it work. Those of you who know him are smiling right now because you can remember the times when a situation was tense, very tense, and Keith dropped a short sentence and the room exploded with laughter. Some of the hardest times in my life I spent with Keith pouring out my heart and my fears. Somehow, in a way no one else could have done, Keith cracked a dumb joke and made me smile. I wanted to be able to do that for someone.
Keith has, in my opinion, the best marriage I have ever seen. I remember a time I spent the day with Keith and his wife. I cannot remember where we were going or where we were coming from, but I was in the backseat and Keith and his wife, Krista, were in the front. I sat in the backseat and for hours and I listened as they talked to each other. I know, sounds crazy, but they talked for hours – about nothing. They talked about road signs, trees, whatever popped into their heads, and then it hit me – they are best friends. Not just best friends like married people "say they are" but truly best friends. I wanted a marriage like that.
Keith is great father. Keith has three wonderful kids, ok two wonderful kids and Sammy ;) honestly – they are all great kids. How many people do you know that raise three well balanced teenagers? Sam, Sarah, and Abby will always be like my younger siblings. Although Keith has been known to leave his kids at gas stations for a gag (I told you he was funny) his kids know he loves them. Kids don't just respect their parents – as any parent can testify to, they are always watching, always waiting to see if we as parents are really who we claim to be. Keith is the real deal. His kids love him and they respect him, and they all play together. Go to a picnic at Keith's house and you'll find Keith and all three kids playing football (tackle) in the back yard. I want to be a dad like that.
Keith is true friend. He always cares, he always loves and he is always there. I could go on for pages about his willingness to listen. Keith has always been one to listen and not judge. I have called his house in the middle of the night when I needed someone to talk to and he and Krista have always cheerfully – yes cheerfully – listened and talked me through something. Keith is a rock; he's as reliable as the day is long. So many people are fake, and shallow. Keith is not. I want to be a friend like that.
Keith is a Godly man. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. I have seen, and you have too if you know him, all of these vividly demonstrated in his life. Keith has a real relationship with his Savior and it shows in everything he does. I want to be a Christian like that.
Keith has been around for many years. I hope he's around for many more because we need more men like him in the world.
I look up to you Keith. I want to play like you, I want to make people laugh like you do, I want to love like you do, I want to be a dad like you, I want to be a friend like you and I want to know Christ the way you do. You have been such a phenomenal example of what Christ expects us to be and all of us who know you are better off because we do.
Happy Birthday Keith. Want some Combos? How about now?
|
