Philip Marshall Keyes, 64, of Acton, MA, died on November 16th at Boston Medical Center due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was struck while riding by an errant driver just minutes from home. He passed surrounded by loved ones and will be remembered with deep fondness by those who knew him.
Philip was a caring father to his two children, a devoted husband to his predeceased wife of 33 years, and an ardent companion to his partner, with whom he found fresh joy over the past four years. A passionate and adventurous man, Philip loved to travel and commune with nature, whether biking, hiking, or simply firing up a grill outdoors.
Philip found his life’s calling at the New England Mountain Bike Association, where he served as Executive Director for 26 years. He helped NEMBA grow into one of the largest trail advocacy and mountain bike groups in the nation. In 2008 he was honored to be inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and recognized for his tireless land advocacy efforts.
Philip was born in Norfolk, VA and grew up in Concord. A true child of the ‘70s, as a young man Philip loved playing Hendrix on his guitar and roaming the town with his pet monkey. He attended the Fenn School and Concord Academy.
While attending the University of Chicago as an undergraduate, Philip met his future wife, Nanyee. They went on to have a son, Natan, while Philip pursued further studies at Stanford University. Their daughter Maxine was born a few years later in Bolivia, where Philip was researching and living with local Quechua peoples. The family eventually settled in Acton, where Philip started working for NEMBA and writing for Dirt Rag Magazine. After the unexpected passing of his wife, Philip met his partner Gloria Tu, with whom he shared a love for nature, travel and entertaining.
Philip is survived by his two children, his partner Gloria, his father Jonathan Keyes, and his two siblings, Jared Keyes and Hawk Jenkins.
A private burial will be held at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and a memorial celebration is being planned for the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the New England Mountain Bike Association.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Philip’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
