In Memoriam

I love you and miss you Dad.

I wish you could have seen me grow into the woman I've become.

I'm going off to college next fall and I know you would be proud. Mom misses you too and so does Bugs- but I'm sure I think about you the most.

I had just flown a training mission a few weeks prior to losing Swede He was one o fthe most knowledgeable, outgoing, professional pilots I have known. Always looking on the bright side and never without a smile, I will always remember what a pleasure it was to have him around. He is sorely missed..

Newly commissioned USAF officers, Keith and I met at Sheppard AFB 1987. I will always remember Keith's magnetic smile and his willingness to help everyone whether a friend or stranger. A father, husband, son, brother, coworker and friend, Keith will be remembered. May God continue to protect and comfort his family.

Oh Hopey, I just saw what you wrote to your daddy. I wish he could see what an amazing women you have become too. Both you and your sister would make him SO proud. I will never forget his pure joy when he realized he was going to be a daddy. And after you were born, he couldn't wait to try again because you were so wonderful (and you slept 20 hours a day so we had no idea how much work raising a baby really was)! His absolute best asset was his sense of humor! He was always kind and gentle and loved us with such passion.....I will always feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been loved by Keith...to be his wife, and blessed beyond belief to have the chance to raise his baby girls! And to our girls, you're amazing, silly, kind, smart, beautiful inside and out and SO loved.

Papa,

I am sitting by a firein Pine River Minnesota and these have been some of the hardest weeks of my life. The thought of your strength and love keep me strong and I know that you made a difference in so many peoples life. Wish I could show you all of my love and appreciation.

Bugs

Missing you, Amigo. I still have your picture sitting on my desk. I remember the 'laughing-jags' we'd get into and the crazy vacation in Mexico. Most of all, I remember our friendship with a fondness unlike any other; I'll see you on the other side. God speed.

Keith,

You were my friend, a helluva pilot, fellow F-16 fighter pilot, and a very fine officer... I still remember you... I was flying the night you went down, and my heart sank, knowing you gave the supreme sacrifice... I post your picture every year for Memorial Day on Facebook... Maybe some of your friends will see you there.

It's good to see your daughter has grown and that your memory is still cherished by those who knew you...

Take care, Swede...

With respect,

Michael Hesley, Major, Ret. USAF

May god be with you Keith

Lt Nylander,

I gave you your last intel brief that morning. I

was at Wing Intelligence when I was told a pilot

went down. You were a good pilot , but most of

All you were an awesome person. You were a

Lieutenant and I was a Staff Sargeant but you still

A human being and good guy. Our country lost

A great man that day!!

Working in the weapons flight at the 34th, I remember coming to work on mid shift and dispatch told me that one of our D models didn't return...I remember seein' ya around the flightline and fire guarded for you a few times, so we on mid shift pretty much worked that night in total shock, it was a difficult night...We lost a Hero that day...

When I was a supply NCO in the 34th some crew chiefs took me out to the flight line to launch and recover an F-16. This is something a supply person never gets to do. The pilot was Lt. Nylander and he was very patient with me. When he returned he shook my hand and thanked me, but I very much thanked him. To this day I still remember and whenever I tell people what one of my biggest thrills was I tell them about Lt. Nylander and that day on the flight line. What a great memory.

Dear Susan, Hope, and Hannah,

I think about Keith very often, but most especially on the Gulf War Remembrance Day and also on Memorial Day. When I decide to march in our Annual Memorial Day Parade, I do it specifically in honor and memory of your husband and father.

I remember Keith to be a great friend and an outstanding pilot whose skills set the bar for me.

I also have wonderful memories of his warm smile, his sense of humor, and his kindness. To this day, when I think of his smile, it brings a smile to my face.

Etched in my mind is the visit to your home at Hill AFB after Keith passed. Susan, you spoke of how wonderful your relationship with Keith was. Hope, you were just a young child, and Hannah, you were yet to be born.

Rest assured that his memory remains alive.

May God Bless Keith, and may God also Bless your family.

Sincerely,

Carlos Nejaime

Keith, Swede.

Most recently, I ran into your brother, Ryan, whilst jumpseating on Delta Airlines. We shared stories of you and I told him I missed you.

He reminds me a lot of you. Like Carlos, I think of you every Memorial Day....more so on this last one, after recently meeting your brother.

Keep the beer cold.

Maddog.

I just wanted to thank everyone who has taken time to write their memories on this forum. I never met my dad but am able to know and experience him through all of you. It is humbling to know that people remember and care for him and I am lucky to have such an amazing family of people behind us. My mom and sister are amazing women and I definitely wouldn't be who I am today without them. I also know that I am who I am because of my dad.

Thank you all,

Hannah

Hannah, Remembering your Dad this Memorial Day Weekend. I was part of a going away party skit with your Dad while we were at Hill AFB. It was a "sammy small" skit and I was your Dad's hands during the skit. Really fun and funny, your Dad had a great personality!

Sincerly, Steve Lambert

Pretty much speechless here just remembering you here today, getting the news of the accident that day. Your memory inspires always. You touched so many people! Every time I run into an old friend the smile on their faces is so big From Maddog to the classmate who, at the 0500 brief, is telling me that you are the only guy he ever saw light a fart on fire! We all still wish you were here. I'm still keepin a close eye on Suzy and the girls for ya! Chickens!!!!!

I thought of you yesterday and today Keith, now and again as well. I didn't know you well but knew enough of you to respect the person you were, always a smile and respectful guy. I was so shocked and saddened when I heard of your passing.

My brother Greg ran into your Dad yesterday. They live on the same lake. I did not remember your Dad buying my motorcycle in 1982 and still has it today. My brother took a picture and sent it to me. You have a wonderful family and I know how very proud they are of you. I pray your wife, daughters, and entire family are doing well.

Keith was my hero. I knew him when I was in grade school when he and your moved into the house in Layton. I would love to share my memories of him by phone, Skype or FaceTime if you would be comfortable with that. Otherwise I will do what I can to share in writing. But my preferred method would be through verbal communication. Please email me at steventeemail@gmail.com and let me know what you think.

We think of you today, on this Memorial Day. Love you Papa.

I am very saddend for your family reading this. I realize this is years later, but this is fresh new to me and I am saddened to hear this. I knew Keith in 1984-1985 from his days at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. I spent many weekends with him and his family (Aunt, Uncle and cousin). I pray that Keith's wife and children, as well as parents and siblings are doing well and thriving today!

I worked as a Crew Chief at the 34th FS and Keith was my Pilot. Keith was always upbeat and super friendly with everyone he was around. I was working the end of runway that night and didn’t know who was missing until some time later that night. Think about him often, I had given several pictures of Keith to our Squadron so his family could have them. Keith was a great man and you should be proud to call him you’re Dad.

Daddy,

You’d be so happy. Ten years with the love of my life. I think often of what you’d think of him.. Mama loves him and so does Willy and Dad. He treats me like a princess. I think you’d approve.

We’re hopping the pond over to Croatia soon. And damn would you love it! I come back to this page each year and never really know what to write.. but Vela and I are about to start a brand new life in the Balkans. You’d love Vela, Daddy. I’m feel like a princess every day. Sometimes when I look at him I’m reminded of the raw love you had for Mom. You love her so much. Don’t worry, Daddy. I do my best to take care of her. I’m the oldest after all. Mama has become by best friend. We talk about you all the time. Me and Grandma Sharon text a ton. She had a hard time with some pneumonia. I take care of her the best I can.

Daddy you’d be so happy seeing how things are turning out. We love and think of you every single day, Daddy.