April 5, 2023 724 PM
Richard Bruhn Keith, 66, of Alpine, Texas, passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on March 25, 2023. Rick was born in Pasadena, Texas, on July 3, 1956, to Sarah Charter Bruhn and Stan Bruhn and was raised by Sarah and Duane Phillips. Rick served in the Army in the late ‘70s and was stationed in Germany. After graduating with a master’s in German studies from the University of Texas, Rick moved to Alpine, where he worked for the Center for Big Bend Studies at Sul Ross State University.
He began a career as a teacher and coach and served the Alpine community for almost 30 years. During his time at Alpine High School, he taught government, economics, U.S. history, and German. Rick coached volleyball and took many teams deep into the playoffs and the 2002 team to the state tournament. He was voted to coach the state all-star volleyball team twice. Rick developed the Alpine Running Bucks Cross-Country program, taking runners all the way to the state cross-country meet. He was inducted into the Cross-Country Coaches Association of Texas Hall of Fame in 2020, where he also served as a board member for several years.
He worked as a seasonal park ranger at the Fort Davis National Historic Site for 20 years, and was well known for his living history interpretation. The official logo for the FODA is an image of Rick and his beloved horse, Soldier. He served as president of the Friends of the Big Bend Ranch State Park. Rick was a member of Our Lady of the Peace Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus; he served as a lector and choir member.
Rick and Kim Keith married in 1987 and celebrated 36 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Wyoming Jade (Chris) Schofield and Lakota Sage (Mike Naccarato) Keith, and grandfather to Sawyer James Schofield and Finn Richard Schofield. Rick is preceded in death by his first wife Lisa Bruhn, his parents Duane and Sarah Phillips and Stan Bruhn. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandsons, and sister Kelly (Kirstin) Phillips and niece Aurelia Phillips.
He was a devoted husband and father. Rick impacted the lives of not only his students but many others. He was a lifelong runner, history enthusiast, and friend to all.
The funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine at 11 a.m. on April 11. The family is planning a Celebration of Life and memorial run to be announced on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Friends of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, Friends of the Fort Davis National Historic Site, and Knights of Columbus Council 5096.
Online condolences may be left at: www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.
Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home in Alpine, Texas.
