Marvin Keith Parsley passed away quietly in his Lompoc home on August 27 after many years of battling debilitating health issues.

He was born May 1, 1951 in Santa Maria, CA to Marvin and Mary (King) Parsley. He graduated from Righetti High School in 1969 and enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving a couple of years before returning home to continue his education at Allan Hancock College, acquiring an A.S. degree in Architectural Drafting.

Keith was a talented artist and painter who took his talents into the digital world, becoming a self-taught expert in Photoshop. He worked as a graphic artist for a number of years at the Lompoc Record and Santa Maria Times, developing creative advertisements for the newspaper's ad reps. When his health prevented him from working full time, he did freelance work for a local print shop and a local advertising agency. His creativity and eye for artistic design won him praise from his many friends and co-workers.

Keith loved to spend hours at his computer, working on a photo until it was absolutely perfect, or just doing extensive online research, comparing the features of a potential purchase, until he found just the right product that met his discerning taste. He was an avid collector of die-cast miniature cars, as well as WWII action figures. He loved having his dogs at his feet, discreetly feeding them scraps from his dinner plate. He leaves behind Bear, Dottie, Bebe and Gus. Lad, Lucky, Buddy and his beloved Schnauzer, Jasper, met him on the other side with wet kisses and wagging tails.

Keith was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father. Survivors include his mother, Mary Parsley and brother Michael Parsley, both of Orcutt, brother Jim Parsley of Newport, WA, sisters Mary Ann Vasquez of Escondido and Lynnette Woodfin of Bakersfield and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his closest friend, longtime companion and caregiver, Dennis Headrick of Lompoc and adopted sister, Gail Benson of Lompoc.

Nights are long since you went away;
I think about you all through the day;
My buddy, my buddy, no body quite so true.
I miss your voice, the touch of your hand;
I long to know that you understand;
My buddy, my buddy
Your buddy misses you.

In accordance with his wishes, no services are planned. A family gathering will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to Companion Animal Placement Assistance (CAPA), 1501 W. Central Ave., Lompoc, CA 93436, or a charity of choice.