W. Keith Gilliland, born on May 20, 1943, in Indiana, PA, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Sunday, February 8, 2026 after a courageous battle with dementia. He was predeceased by his parents, Eleanor (Peoples) Gilliland and Walter Franklin Gilliland. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Gilliland (née Fiscus) for 58 wonderful years, devoted father to N. Kim (Gregory) Finkbeiner and Kristin (Michael) Johnson, and proud “Papa” to six cherished granddaughters: Lexi, Ashley, Allie, & Addison Finkbeiner, and Caroline & Katie Johnson. 

Keith graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; before beginning his extraordinary 35-year career at Xerox Corporation in Research and Development, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. His work at Xerox took him around the world, and his inventive spirit led to several patents. Even in retirement, his creativity never slowed—he was always sketching ideas, building something new, or improving a project with his unmistakable craftsmanship.

Faith and community were deeply important to Keith. He was an active and long-serving member of Webster Presbyterian Church, he volunteered as a trustee for multiple terms. His engineering mind and generous spirit made him a go-to person for special projects, including a significant drainage improvement effort that benefited the church grounds and congregation. Keith gave his time without hesitation, always eager to help where he was needed.

Keith’s love of building extended into the community as well. He was a member of the group that worked on a water project for The Millcreek Pool Club in Webster, NY that brought together his engineering talent and community spirit so that families—including his own—could swim and socialize with friends.

Keith and Nancy also created a Christmas tree farm in the 1980s, where he poured countless hours into constructing buildings and equipment for both the farm and their home. Keith was an avid private pilot in his younger years, flying simply for the joy of being in the air. On many Sundays, after attending church, he would head straight to the skies—often circling over the Millcreek Pool Club to wave his wings at his girls as they swam below. These moments became cherished family memories, treasured for the delight they brought to his daughters.

Keith and Nancy shared a love of travel, exploring the United States and Canada in their motorhome and spending winters as snowbirds in Ponce Inlet, Florida. They also found great joy in the beauty of Canandaigua Lake, where they owned several properties over the years and spent many peaceful days together.

Keith’s zest for life, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

A private interment at Webster Union Cemetery will be held for the immediate family, with a Celebration of Keith's life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Maplewood Nursing Home Recreation and Activities Department.