Keith Kaser (Silverton’s own unique citizen)   

Though he served in the army and was an accomplished mechanic, most residents of Silverton knew Keith Kaser as either The Walking Man of Silverton or simply as Walking Keith. A common sight since returning to the city in 1991, Keith, with his white beard and cap pulled low on his head, was known for making his rounds of the city on foot, offering a raised hand in greeting or comments on the weather to friends and strangers alike. One of his favorite quips on a rainy day was to hold his hand out to catch the falling rain and say: “I was thinking about bringing my umbrella, but I was afraid it might get wet.”

Mechanically adept since childhood, Keith earned a mechanic degree from Oregon Technical Institute and specialized in repairing Volkswagens for over 30 years. He passed away in 2010 and the following year Keith’s family commissioned Silverton artist Larry Kassell to paint this mural dedicated to his memory in 2011. It is located at Lewis and Seconds Streets.