Keith Parker

January 24th, 1950 - April 8th, 2026

Memorial

Mementos

Keith Krom Parker, Age 76, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on April 8, 2026 after enduring Parkinson's disease with humility, humor, and grace. He passed away as he hoped; in his home, surrounded by family.

Keith was born to Barbara Krom Parker, January 24, 1950, in Billings, Montana. He was lovingly raised by his mother and maternal grandparents, Helen and Frank Krom.

After graduating from Billings Senior High, Keith earned his undergraduate degree from Montana State University. He went on to earn a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, followed by postdoctoral research in Denver. In 1981, Keith’s dream to return to Montana was fulfilled as a chemistry professor, and, later, Dean of Faculty, at Western Montana College (UMW) in Dillon. While at Western and for the rest of his career, his selfless advocacy via the Faculty Union effectively raised the collective good of others. In Dillon, he met his wife, Julie Anders Parker, who survives him.

The family moved to Missoula after Keith accepted a job at the University of Montana, School of Pharmacy in 1993. He embraced the opportunity to expand his research and enjoyed teaching undergraduate, graduate, and professional doctoral students. He was deeply committed to “making a positive difference” for students and enjoyed guiding the next generation of pharmacists, medical practitioners, and researchers. His research centered on natural products and synthetic drugs for potential new drug development. Investigations on drug action ranged from early research on migraine relief, including cannabidiol (CBD), to working with researchers in Italy, Norway, and Spain studying novel anti-depressant drugs. His research publications were often used and cited by other scholars.

Keith valued helping others. He was a regular donor of blood to the American Red Cross. Keith enjoyed the Montana outdoors. He was an avid walker, no matter the weather. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, shaped by his early years competing in football, basketball, track, and collegiate running at MSU. He adored the family pets, which sometimes made surprise cameo appearances on instructional slides.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother, maternal grandparents, and in-laws Clay and Dorothy Anders. He appreciated the care and devotion of family. He took great pride in the lives they built. Keith is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Jenny (Ethan), Jacquelyn (Rafael), Cory (Lori), Lynn, and seven grandchildren.

The family is especially grateful to Chad and Sydni, whose daily help and friendship, was a bright light for Keith and our family over the last few years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June, 25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Greenough Park Pavilion (1001 Monroe St) in Missoula. Memorial donations in Keith’s memory may be sent to the Montana Food Bank Network, AniMeals, or the Clark Fork Coalition. In honor of Keith, consider donating lifesaving blood at the next American Red Cross blood drive.

Tributes

Share a favourite memory, send condolences, and honour Keith’s life with a heartfelt message.

Al Claussen

I first met Keith during my freshman year at Western Montana College, where for the next two years, he guided me through the earliest stages of my future career in pharmacy. Although I left WMC for the University of Montana after 2 years, I made it a priority to visit him whenever I returned to Dillon, MT to visit friends. A few years later, he became a faculty member at the University of Montana School of Pharmacy, where I graduated with my first degree in pharmacy…and I continued to make it a high priority to see him whenever I could. To say that he was very influential in my life is a gross understatement. He was VERY intelligent , yet was VERY effective in passing on his knowledge to others. I found that his calm demeanor was most inspiring to me, and I have tried to apply this quality in many aspects of my life, including my lifelong passion for learning. Several years after meeting him and being his student, I was quite thrilled to find out that he and I were distantly related….which made all of my good will towards him even more special to me! As he was so influential in my life, I wanted very much for him to have a copy of the book I published. I was so proud to later find out that he greatly treasured my book and that he kept his copy on the same shelf as his Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, First Edition! As always, Keith had been in my recent thoughts. Even though he’s no longer with us, I suspect he will always continue to be in my thoughts. I will miss him greatly. 🙏🤗

Published June 30th, 2026

Douglas Coffin

We had the great pleasure of serving with Keith for two decades as faculty in the UM School of Pharmacy. Keith was a good friend and colleague. He was always thoughtful and considerate. He was truly admired by his fellow faculty where he dedicated his time and effort on their behalf in the faculty union. Keith was an excellent teacher and mentor for our pharmacy students. They will always remember the cats. He had a genuine interest in research. UM Students and Montana Academy of Science students appreciated his guidance. It is often said that the best tribute is the simple statement “he was a good man”. That certainly applies to our good, dear friend Kieth Parker. We miss him. Douglas Coffin and Diana Lurie.

Published June 18th, 2026

Rob Thomas

I arrived at Montana Western in the fall after Keith went to Missoula. I suspect he was involved in the negotiation of my hire. I got to know him later as a university system colleague and was always impressed. His reputation at Western and in Dillon was stellar. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

Published June 29th, 2026