The Parting Gift

In memory of Keith Loyd and his appreciation of the Black Hills Corvette Classic

Those of us who have attended the Black Hills Corvette Classic all have stories to share of experiences had and new friends made.  Yes, the BHCC is a car event that celebrates America’s Sports Car in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.  But it’s much more than that.  We are not just Vette enthusiasts, we are social beings who enjoy the opportunity to meet others, share stories and develop friendships.  This is a story of one man’s deep appreciation for all of the great friends and good times he and his wife had attending the BHCC over the years.

Keith and Lori Loyd of Arizona attended many BHCCs over the years and met many good friends.  As a jeweler, Keith wanted to share his enjoyment of the jewelry with others, and he ultimately became Landstrom’s second largest customer as he began selling Black Hills Gold all over the West Coast.  He loved gold, Corvettes, and the Black Hills Corvette Classic.

Keith and Lori attended the 2024 BHCC in July, at which time he shared that he wanted to give back to the BHCC by donating some Black Hills Gold jewelry for the Gold Give- away.  Little did we know that this would be the last BHCC that Keith would ever attend.  Keith passed away Thanksgiving Day, 2024.  Prior to his death he made the effort to select two rings that he specifically wanted to give as his last gift to the BHCC.  His beautiful wife Lori presented the rings to Sioux Falls Corvette Club members Harold and Joyce Van Der Wilt, friends of Keith and Lori, a friendship that began at the BHCC many years ago. 

It was with deep gratitude that Harold and Joyce accepted the parting gift from Lori on behalf of Keith.  It is with reverence and appreciation that the Sioux Falls Corvette Club and the Black Hills Corvette Classic will present these beautiful gifts to some very lucky winners at the 2025 BHCC.

Keith and Governor Kristi Noem at Jerry’s BHCC Registration Event

We hope to see you at the 54^th annual Black Hills Corvette Classic taking place July 16-20 in Beresford, Sioux Falls and Spearfish.  Come and enjoy the Black Hills, make some new friends, connect with some old ones as we all gather to celebrate the Chevrolet Corvette. 

Here’s to you Keith!

L to R: Harold & Joyce Van Der Wilt, Howard & Kristi Westerman, Keith & Lori Loyd

Content provided by Lori Loyd, Harold & Joyce Van Der Wilt, and Mike Hardy