In the early morning hours of Friday, June 23, 2006. the world lost a great photographer and wonderful friend. Harry was independent and active in business and social activities until the end, spending only two days in the hospital prior to his death.

 

Harry was born August 21, 1920, in Colton, Texas. He was the fifth child and only son of Adolph and Wilhelmina Kieke. He followed his father’s passion for photography. He first set up his own darkroom while in the Air Force while stationed in Alaska during World War II. Harry captured thousands of images during his 65-year career in photography at Studtman Photo, the Texas Department of Public Safety and in his own business, Kieke Photo, often referred to as the “Kieke Crew.” Harry Kieke has been a teacher to hundreds of aspiring photographers. He touched lives everywhere he went.

 

Harry was blessed with an amazing group of friends. With their support and the help of family, doctors, and therapists, Harry came back from spinal cord injury, amputation, reconstructive surgeries, and stroke. Thanks to this wonderful support system, Harry was able to live in his own home and do things that most people would have thought impossible.