DIXMONT – Pastor Keith Whitney Rose, 83, was called home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord, on December 15, 2013, at his residence in Dixmont. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Keith joins his mother, Madeline (Whitney) Chellborg of Salisbury Cove, and his dear wife, whom he adored, Anne-Marie (Mayor) Rose, of Zurich, Switzerland.
Keith Rose was dedicated to serving Christ, and let Him steer the course of his life into many directions first as Bible scholar, then as pastor, later into a ministry of church-planting, and finally as evangelist and Bible conference speaker and preacher. His memory will be carried on by the lives of his five surviving children, 22 grandchildren as well as his great-grandchildren.
Keith’s life was a testament to the power of God. Pastor Rose had a passion for theological scholarship, history and language. His talent as a charismatic speaker and teacher was renowned. His fascination with language led him to study the history of the King James Bible, Early Modern English, as well as ancient Greek and Hebrew.
Keith missed his wife, Anne-Marie, terribly, after her death in 2002, and waited for the day when God would call them together to be reunited. He loved his children, Robert Lewis Rose of Livermore Falls, Richard Mayor Rose of New York City, Nancy Madeline (Rose) Smith of Sanford, Linda Margaret (Rose) Scott, of Acton, Gladys Marie (Rose) Kocher, of Moon Township, Pa. He was predeceased by his son, David Martin Rose of Bangor, in 2010.
Those who have sat under Keith’s ministry will no doubt remember one of his trademark phrases from the Book of Revelation. “Come up Hither,” he would proclaim, loudly and clear as a bell. This time, Keith himself, heard the call, “Come up Hither,” and, is now comfortably with his Lord.
Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. January 4, at West Hampden Baptist Church, 574 Western Avenue, Hampden, Pastor Michael Lynn, officiating. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to West Hampden Baptist Church, P.O. Box 398, Hampden, ME 04444-0398. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Center, 34 High St., Newport. To sign an online guest book please visit: www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com
Pastor Keith Whitney Rose
