I am submitting this plastic chicken to honor my father, Keith Poehlmann, to be included in the Art Heals Utah project. Keith was a U of U alum and his family had a chicken hatchery on State St. in Salt Lake City for a number of years. Keith loved his time in Utah and spent every free moment in Little Cottonwood Canyon enjoying Utah’s natural beauty.
Keith passed away on November 27, 2020; and while he didn’t pass away from COVID-19, his last months were made far more difficult as a result. In his final weeks, Keith was in a nursing home where no visitors were allowed because of COVID. His doctors wanted him released so he could pass at home. However, his release date kept getting pushed back because several of his caregivers in the facility had tested positive. When he finally came home, he passed within 3 days, which wasn’t enough time for me to make the trip to say my goodbyes in person. Thankfully, he had his wife Regi at his side as he transitioned peacefully.
Memento related to: A video tribute to my father, Keith Poehlmann
