Topsfield - Keyes Burwell Linsley died peacefully at his home in Topsfield, MA on July 11th, 2022 in the company of his wife, Nancy, and his loving family. He was 81 years old.

Born in Bristol, CT, Keyes was a resident of Topsfield for 37 years. Keyes graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1958. He went on to attend Cornell University and Boston University, graduating from BU in 1964. Keyes then began a rewarding career in medical and biological chemistry research, holding positions at Mass General Hospital, Harvard School of Public Health, and BU Medical School. Keyes served six years in the Massachusetts and Connecticut Army National Guards with training at Fort Dix, NJ, and Fort Drum, NY. Throughout his life, Keyes held a profound love for the natural world, which he passed on to his two sons. He was an avid hiker and skier, with a particular fondness for the American West. A cherished experience of Keyes' was his solo backpacking trip of the John Muir Trail in 1976. Later, he and Nancy had amazing adventures exploring Katmai and Denali in Alaska and Colorado's San Juan Mountains. As an Explorer Scout, in 1956, Keyes spent a memorable summer cycling and hosteling around Europe with his troop. An amateur ornithologist, Keyes often visited the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, MA and Plum Island in Newbury, MA with Nancy. Keyes enjoyed walking, reading, listening to music, and trying new foods–all activities he appreciated with his family. He also took a great interest in family genealogy and military history. Keyes was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Peg, and brother, Ward. Much loved by his family, Keyes was a wonderful husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Bixby); son, John; and son, Peter and his wife, Caroline, and grandson, Conor. Keyes also leaves his brother Ralph and sister-in-law, Carol, and his nephews and a niece.

At Keyes' request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Keyes' name to the Massachusetts Audubon Society at www.massaudubon.org.