Keith was my Prof. at U.C.I., and he was a very charming caring and very considerate individual.  I had the pleasure of touring with his "artists in training," which was a student performing artists program,  through the university.  We performered all over L.A.,  even in Watts, where the high school was on lockdown every day as a normal provision.  I also  had the privilege of  jumping his Jaguar one late evening, as I lived on campus and he was a little bit desperate as his battery had died.   The photo on this obituary, very much depict, who he was.  We need more people like keith in the world.  Be like keith!

Loved your spirit brother Keith. 

Toby Rechenmache

In addition to his many professional achievements, Keith was a good neighbor and a good person.  I am so sorry to learn of his passing.  I send my condolences to his family and friends.  

Phyllis Gilmore, friend.

Janice, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed meeting up with Keith at our company events. He was always a joy and pleasure to talk to. My deepest condolences to you and all of Keith’s family.

Jackie, “BBF”

Keith was the brother I always had but never knew, until recently. I first began the search for my birth parents some 50 years ago. It was a frustrating experience; the state of California (I was born in San Francisco) guards adoptive birth records as if they were nuclear codes. In the end, I was forced to abandon the quest.

Then, decades later, came the commercialization of DNA. I submitted samples to Ancestry and 23 and Me, as did my daughter Deborah Kerbel. I received many hits that revealed numerous first, second, third and fourth cousins, most in California. But the most intriguing was a 25% match with Keith. Deborah pulled together all the pieces of the puzzle and they revealed that he and I were unquestionably half brothers. When we contacted Keith with this information, I’m sure he must have been stunned at first. A Toronto-based branch of the family? How could it be possible? But when he looked at the data Deborah had assembled, he graciously welcomed us.

We never physically met – health issues made travel difficult for both of us. But we communicated regularly, and Keith told me much about our mother that I never otherwise would have known. My children are now in touch with his, and I hope those relationships continue.

I regret never to have hugged my brother or sat with him to share more life experiences. But I am grateful that we found each other before the clock ran out, and I thank him so much for filling in many of the holes in my life. Rest in peace Keith. I may not have met you in person, but I loved you. My deepest condolences to Janice, Jeremy, Matthew and the rest of the family. 

Professor Fowler was my absolute favorite teacher at UC Irvine. Not only was he bursting with knowledge and advice on how to improve your craft, but he was a kind and generous soul. I was intimidated by his long illustrious career, and I was honored to be in his last directing class and playwriting class in 2016. The work was difficult, but fulfilling and every exercise had a purpose. 

The piece I was writing involved the character trying to find a book they loved, Belle Prater’s Boy. In order to help me and get into the mind of the character, Professor Fowler found the book and read it completely. He shared with me that the setting made him think of his childhood. When I reached out to him a few years later for advice on a new project, he wrote me how “yes, you’re the one who made me read Belle Prater’s Boy!”. I couldn’t believe that he remembered! 

I liked writing, but I never felt confident enough to share my work until Keith Fowler believed in me. I think about his advice, his approach, and his techniques every time I sit down to write. 

I have several other stories, but they share the same thread- a kind, generous genius of a man that has impacted me and countless others for the rest of our lives. Thank you for everything, Dr Fowler. Much love and strength to your family in this difficult time.