Keith Welch Paris

Keith Welch Paris was born in Salt Lake City on October 3, 1966, to parents Charles W. Paris and Sharon Peterson Paris. He passed away on May 24, 2025, in the Big Horn Mountains. He was a beloved son, brother and uncle and many tears have been shed at his passing.

Keith was a talented chef and worked at restaurants from the Midwest to the West Coast. He took pride in his cooking and in serving meals to his family. His rib recipe is a family favorite. In 2020 he retired from cooking and worked in the hardware business.

Keith was an eagle scout and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed backpacking and fishing and had secret fishing spots which he shared with others on occasion. He lived life at full speed and was not one to shy away from risky behavior embracing everything from bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and downhill skiing.

Keith had a generous spirit. He called his family members regularly and always asked about his nieces and nephews and showed a genuine interest in their lives. He loved to shower his youngest niece and nephew with treats and the occasional kid-sized shopping cart spree at the hardware store.

Keith’s passion was the guitar. An accomplished musician, he spent a lifetime perfecting his craft. He played in bands across the U.S. and had a genuine rock star persona that electrified audiences. He shared his knowledge by teaching music lessons. His extensive guitar collection was his pride and joy.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon, and sister, Laura. He is survived by his father, four brothers and three sisters. Michelle (Terry) and Dan (Angie) – Billings, David (Amy) – Troutdale, OR, Brian (Ivy) – Tempe, AZ, Susan – Marietta, GA, Tom (Lori) – Forsyth, MT, Emily (Charlie) – Bozeman, MT. He is also lovingly remembered by eleven nephews and eleven nieces.

A private family memorial will be held in his honor. Keith will be laid to rest in Billings, MT.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: 

Big Horn County Search & Rescue 

Washakie County Search and Rescue