Chautauqua Memorials

[Religion At Chautauqua]

With sadness and sympathy we share that former trustee and lifelong Chautauquan Bill Karslake passed away on December 21. The obituary can be read online at: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/34184528/william-g.-karslake

We've also been asked to share that Herb Keyser has passed away, and the following obituary note. 

Dr. Herb Keyser, a long-time Chautauquan, died peacefully on December 19. He was a man of many interests and talents.

Herb was known to many Chautauquans for his sale of lemon tarts and sweets, the proceeds of which all went to the Chautauqua Foundation.  He wrote of his search for the best recipe in A Chautauquan Searches Paris for The Best Tarte au Citron.

Herb published several other books reflecting the range of his interests.  His first, Women Under the Knife, was an expose of the overuse of Cesarean section, performed for the convenience of the operating gynecologists.  As you might suspect, this did not endear him to his peers.  A subsequent book, A Quiet Life: Odessey of a Whistleblower, was a reflection on the response. Prescription For Disaster: Healthcare In America was a broader look at the American healthcare system.

On a lighter note, he wrote Two Drifters: Off to See the World, a travelogue of his travels with his beloved Barbara through Europe.

A renowned gynecologist but always wishing he had pursued a career in music, Herb was known for his lectures on the singers and songwriters of the "Great American Songbook."  He explored this interest further in the publication of Geniuses of American Musical Theatre: The Composers and Lyricists.

Herb’s last book, Finding Barbara, was the tale of romance he had with his wife, Barbara.

 
Loving Chautauqua, Herb and his son, Chris, have sponsored a10:45 lecture in the Amphitheater each year.

 
Herb was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Barbara. May he rest in peace.

 

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There are many ways that the Chautauqua community remembers those who have died. Please use the form linked below to share information about memorializing a loved one and to request follow up from Chautauqua Institution staff. If you would like to share a loved one’s obituary or host a memorial service at Chautauqua, please reach out to the Department of Religion staff via email (reli...@chq.org).

Chautauqua Memorials

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Melissa Spas

Vice President

Department of Religion
reli...@chq.org 

Chautauqua Institution
PO Box 28 | 1 Ames Ave 
Chautauqua, NY 14722  
chq.org  


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