Ken Keyes Jr., Author And Pioneer In Personal-Growth Field, Dies At 74

COOS BAY, Ore. - Ken Keyes Jr., a pioneer in the personal-growth field and author of several popular books, has died of kidney failure at age 74.

Mr. Keyes died Wednesday at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. He moved to Coos Bay in 1982 and recently had opened the Caring Rapid Healing Center in the coastal town.

Mr. Keyes was the author of 15 books, including "The Handbook to Higher Consciousness" and "The Hundredth Monkey."

His most recent book, "Your Road Map to Lifelong Happiness," was published in June.

According to the Caring Rapid Healing Center, 4 million copies of Mr. Keyes' books currently are in print in at least seven languages.

His works have been cited by such popular self-help authors as John Bradshaw and Wayne Dyer.

In 1989, Mr. Keyes received a peace award from Arizona State University for his contribution to world peace.

Mr. Keyes was quadriplegic as the result of polio in 1946.

In his book "Discovering the Secrets of Happiness" he said his life had been enriched by his illness.