Proctor Keith McGregor

Always known as Keith, Proctor Keith McGregor arrived in Seattle over forty years ago in search of a bustling theatre town and a cooler clime. He found both along with the love of his life, Howard M. Voland. Although only legally married since 2013, they met on a group hike at Mount Rainier on August 12, 1985, and were rarely apart after that. 

Keith, the oldest son of Proctor Knott McGregor, Jr., and Harriet Jane Carr, was born June 17, 1949, in Inverness, Mississippi. After attending Inverness High School, he graduated from Rice University in 1972. He then served in the Signal Corps in Germany before earning his MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of Houston in 1979. 

Keith loved everything about the theatre but especially the creative process. He designed many sets, directed many scripts, occasionally acted, and wrote not a few award-winning plays to include “The Far End of the Earth,” which won the National Play Award from The National Repertory Theatre Foundation. He collaborated with Howard on a series of murder mystery comedies. The first in the series, “Murder Inn,” is represented by Concord Theatricals and has been produced widely since its first production in 2000, which he directed at Off the Wall Theatre in Monroe, Washington. He also thoroughly enjoyed the years he worked as the Development Director for Kirkland’s Studio East. 

When not writing, he most loved gardening to include volunteering as a WSU Master Gardener. He also enjoyed attending arts events of all kinds, hiking, cross-country skiing, traveling, cruising, reading, cooking, playing board games, and visiting with and entertaining his many friends. 

Since December 2019, Keith fought a courageous battle against renal cell carcinoma with dignity and fortitude and with the help of a superb medical team from Virginia Mason. And when it was time for Keith to finally let go, EvergreenHealth Hospice helped make it possible for him to slip away peacefully at home. He died on the afternoon of April 4, 2024, in Howard’s arms after finishing his beloved daily martini. Keith requested that any memorial donations in his name be made to the foundations of either of these two caring institutions.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in-law Mary Alice Voland, and his nephew Matt Douglas McGregor, Jr. He is survived by his husband Howard, his brother Matt Douglas McGregor and his wife Julie McGregor, his two nieces and their families: Jane Allen McGregor McCrory and her sons Nicholas and Crosby, and Meredith McGregor Kavanaugh and her daughter Vivian. One of Keith’s greatest regrets is not having had more time with his family in Mississippi. He is also survived by his “almost-godsons” Dylan and Travis Parker and by his storyteller “sister” Terry Breen.

An informal celebration of Keith’s life will be held this summer in the garden he designed and loved at the home he shared with Howard for 37 years in Maltby, Washington. His ashes will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. He will be greatly missed by his husband, family and all who knew him.

"Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it."

– Joan Didion from “The Year of Magical Thinking”

Comments

Here is the link to Keith's Veteran Legacy Memorial, which will have information about his resting place at Tahoma National Cemetery--comments may also be posted there: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/PROCTORKEITHMCGREGOR/a6551b

A greater love, than between you, was never known. A kinder man, I have rarely met. A great loss to all who were privileged to know him and the world beyond. Much love to you, Howard, and to all of Keith's loved ones.

Kara and Zeke

Love the photos

Michele duncan

Where there was one,
There was the other .....
Where there are two,
There is the Whole

May you find Peace
Lorie Morrison

Beautifully written about a very special man on many levels. I enjoyed meeting him while working Master Gardener plant sales and believe that he and Howard enjoyed the sort of relationship that many never achieve. Such a loss for Howard.

Sandy Schumacher

I am so so sorry! Your and Keith’s love was evident to everyone who knows you and will always be an inspiration! May your memories help to heal your heart.

Michael Crawford

I'm so sorry. Keith you were awe inspiring, with your writing and directions of your shows. I am proud to have called you ,well many things, but mostly my friend. Howard my heart goes out to you. Loves

Janine Snavely

A very special man. I’m so sorry for your loss Howard. I’m glad you were able to spend all the years with him and to the end. Heartfelt thoughts for you both

Dawn Blankenship

Howard, I'm so very sorry to hear this. Keith was an intergral part of my young adult life. My family enjoyed so many hours at the Theatre with you both. Words are not enough. My thoughts are with you. Please reach out, whatever you need, whatever I can do...
All my love <3
Tami

Howard, I am sorry for your great loss. I regret not having spent more time with Keith. His sense of humor and our memories/ stories of Inverness and Lois( our grandmother). I always thought Keith had a great Southern novel in him as his stories reflected. Take care of yourself, prayers and thoughts are with you.

Holly Fluharty

I knew Keith from our involvement with Seattle Playwrights Circle. He was a gifted writer who contributed wit and insight to our meetings. Keith and I shared a Houston connection. I grew up there and graduated from the University of Houston. Keith graduated from Rice University (I remember he still wore his class ring) and got his MFA from UofH. His talent and personality will be missed. My condolences to Howard and the family.

John C. Davenport

Sending you loving thoughts and angels as you cope with your life without Keith. He was a very special soul and will be missed by many.

Krysta Gibson

I first met Keith when moving to Monroe many years ago and finding the theater community there. He was so passionate and creative with his input with the group and his contributions live on.

Alexandra Clark

Howard sorry for your loss. Keith
Was a sweet man who who will
Be missed by many . Eldine

Howard, I am so sorry to hear the news of Keith’s passing. I loved working with him and loved that he cast me as a villain! He was such a joy to be around and just one of the most wonderful people! He was so fun to work with and I loved talking about gardening at rehearsals. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to know him.

Jenny Price

Beautifully and lovingly written, Howard. I didn't know Keith well but I did know him to be friendly to everyone and so easy to talk with. I can see you sitting out in the garden, enjoying a martini, with an extra one at Keith's place, thinking of the happy times you two shared.

Dianne Elledge