It seems that nobody else could embody Billy Joel’s proverb, “Only the good die young,” more than Keith Naylor. Keith was not only good in the elementary sense of the word, but especially in the universal sense because he represented genuineness, success, perseverance and altruism in a town that is sometimes known for its superficiality and selfishness.
My first meeting with Keith was on the Malibu High bus. By the time the bus arrived at the Los Flores stop, no seat was empty. Although an upper classman, Keith let me, a new student at MHS, share his seat and acceptance. Keith’s goodness manifested itself in his amazingly kind treatment of mere acquaintances, close friends and family whether he was teaching his sister how to surf or generously giving up waves at his home break.
He persevered to gain admittance to UCSB, graduated and was beginning a career. Keith was beautiful on the inside and outside and fortunate to be part of a tight, loving family. He was always a role model for those of us who knew him and he represented qualities that we wanted to strive for. In essence, Keith was a real prince of Malibu.
Stephen Gary