Keith Howard Erdman passed away Jan. 13, 2012, in Las Vegas, at the age of 93. Born Sept. 20, 1918, in Salt Lake City, he earned a bachelor or arts degree in history from the University of Utah in 1940. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Wilson. Keith completed his education by earning a master of business administration degree from Harvard University in 1942. After a brief stint working, he joined the U.S. Army and enlisted in the Quartermaster Corps Officer Candidate School and eventually served as the executive officer to the division quartermaster of the Army's 88th division in Italy until 1946. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked at Basic Vegetable Products Company as a production manager and at Macy's California as a store manager. In 1958, he was hired by the Basic American Foods Company as a plant manager. He rose through organization to eventually become president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of its umbrella company, Ampco Foods Inc., until his retirement in 1981. Keith enjoyed skiing, golf, swimming and gardening throughout his life. But his greatest recreational pleasure was "seeing the world," which gave him an outlet for his love of history, of the arts and of learning about different cultures. He thought of travel as "the great educator," providing experiences and perspectives that could not be gained in the classroom. Keith was preceded in death by his wife, of 71 years, Barbara. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Reyling; sons, Keith (Heloise) and John; grandchildren, Steven Reyling, Jennifer Zuong (Hoan), and Julia Erdman; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Megan and Mandy Zuong. His practical intelligence, sharp wit, dry sense of humor, and generosity will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Keith will be greatly missed by both family and friends. Arrangements under the direction of Palm South Jones Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.
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