Keith Edward Wilder, co-founding member of Heatwave
Whenever we hear soul classics, like Heatwave’s “Always and Forever,” or “Boogie Nights,” we always get an instant feeling of euphoria. Sadly, today, as we think of those songs, our hearts are filled wth grief.
https://youtu.be/qiI42aZ5F40?t=18s
Very sad news to report ILoveOlSchoolMusic family. Keith Edward Wilder, the co-founding member of the legendary 70’s soul band, Heatwave, has passed away at 68 years young. Wilder was residing in Atlanta, GA and has three children with his wife of 40 years, Linda Wilder. Linda and their kids have now released an emotional message online about the death of their beloved husband and father…
Message From Wilder’s Family
Keith Wilder with his wife (in black hat), their children and other family members
“On October 29th, 2017 our family suffered a tremendous loss on earth, but God gained an extra special soul back with him in heaven. It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Keith Edward Wilder Sr, at 65 years old. An adoring, committed and loving Husband, Father, Son and Brother as well as very dear and loved Uncle, Friend, and surrogate father to so many.”
“Our father was one in a million, many of you know that. He gave his amazing talent to the world as the co-founder and lead singer of Heatwave; filled your homes and ears with song – but he filled our hearts and our home with so much more and we miss him sorely.’
“We want to thank you all for the messages, notes and calls. Please know that we appreciate them all as well as the thoughts and prayers, that are not only felt, but needed at this time. It’s still so fresh and we are processing it all. There is an un-fillable gap in the Wilder family right now, we take comfort knowing that he and his brother Johnnie Wilder Jr are back together and likely entertaining angels as we speak.”
Special Note from Linda Wilder –
Keith Wilder and wife, Linda Wilder
“I have spent the best 40 years with my Soul Mate, I have been so encouraged by reading all the stories that have been written about Keith, he was a father figure to so many and a friend to all who knew him. I will miss him so much but I believe he is in a better place, there is so much he wanted to do physically but couldn’t, take your wings Keith and Fly…….you are free now… My first …My last …My everything XXXX”
Linda also posted details about Keith’s funeral, which will be open to the public. She’s asking fans who would like to make donations, to do so by contributing to a children’s cause that was “near and dear” to Keith’s heart- his foundation, Positive Impact International. See what she wrote:
Keith’s and Linda’s son, Keith Wilder, Jr. also wrote this loving message on Facebook about his dad:
“My best friend, my role model, my brother in Christ and my amazing father, Mr. Gangster of the Groove.”
Daughter…
Linda and Keith with daughter, Tami
Their daughter, Tami, reposted several tributes to her dad and wrote one heartfelt message online about his passing:
“❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤#broken2pieces”
Daughter… Jade Wilder- Photo that daughter, Jade, posted on Facebook, in honor of her late father, Keith Wilder
The Wilder’s other daughter, Jade, posted a few loving photos of her and her Pops to celebrate his memory. Keith’s brother, the late Johnnie Wilder Jr.
Keith Edward Wilder was preceeded in death by his brother and fellow Heatwave co-founder, Johnnie Wilder Jr., in 2006. Johnnie was the lead singer of the band, but became paralyzed from the neck down in a 1979 car accident and was no longer able to perform with the group. He remained a fighter throughout the rest of his life though and ultimately died in 2006.
Both brothers will be sorely missed. May Keith Edward Wilder and Johnnie Wilder Jr. rest peacefully after a job well done here on earth.
