Keith W. Johnson

Keith Johnson was a rare man, who found such happiness in everything he did, and in everyone he met. He was as easygoing as he was outgoing, so quick to lend a hand, with a level head and a gracious heart. Keith was a son, husband, father and friend to so many over the years, whose love and friendship lives on today in all who knew him. Keith's story began on a hot summer day in 1961, in the sleepy city of Highland Park, Michigan just outside Metro Detroit. Those were tumultuous times in this country, times of great change as well as great hope. John F. Kennedy took office as our 35th President, furthering the Space Race while the Cold War, as the Vietnam, Soviet Union and Cuba conflicts intensified. Yet in the little town of Brighton, Clifford and Beverly Johnson found reason for hope that hot summer. On August 9, 1961, a warm, summer Wednesday, the couple celebrated the birth of their only child, a baby boy they named Keith. Keith's father was a commercial mortgage officer and, in addition, he and his wife owned a retail business. Keith led an active childhood, and found a passion for the outdoors at an early age. As a young boy he loved fishing, hunting, and playing pool, which would be a lifelong hobby for him. Despite being an only child, Keith wasn't coddled, and was raised with a self-reliance and good work ethic, traits he would some day pass along to his children. After he graduated from Brighton High School, Keith went on to earn his communications degree at ITT Technical Institute. He then worked for many different communications companies over the years as a technician, including MCI, GTE and Verizon. As his professional life came to fruition, so did Keith's personal life, too. He fell in love, got married, and had two wonderful sons, Trevor and Sean, who brought him so much pride and happiness. His marriage ended after 22 years, yet his relationship with his sons was unshakeable. Keith was an excellent father, who almost couldn't contain his pride and love for his sons. His eyes always sparkled, but they shone particularly bright whenever he spoke of them. And clearly, they could do no wrong in Keith's eyes, either. No matter what pranks the boys pulled, he was OK with it, and maybe even got as much of a kick out of the pranks as they did! Keith enjoyed teaching his boys, and they spent plenty of time together. Keith was a lifelong, avid outdoorsman, and passed that on to his boys. They went to trout camp every spring up north, packing up the tent and gear as soon as the snow thawed, anxious for their annual get-together. Keith owned 20 acres of land in Wellston, Michigan, in the forest between Manistee and Cadillac, where he and his sons made so many happy memories. So many special times were shared at Keith's beloved "shack," where they had so much fun. But then again, Keith always seemed to have a good time no matter where he was. Keith was such a fun-loving man, who loved any excuse to get together with friends and share a few Budweisers, which was his favorite food, next to chocolate! Keith enjoyed playing in pool leagues, watching NASCAR races on TV, going to flea markets and pig roasts, or getting in on a good football pool. He also never missed the fireworks over Twin Lake, which was special for him. He had many good friends over the years, and he enjoyed grabbing a beer, lending an ear, or pitching in to help them whenever he could. That was Keith's true calling in life, being a great friend to all who knew him. He was there for anybody, anytime, even the middle of the night. That's just the way Keith was, though: So easygoing, so outgoing, quick to lend a hand to all who needed it. Sadly, Keith was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2005. He didn't want people to feel sorrow, but rather to remember the great happiness he found in life. Keith died at his home on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. Keith was a wonderful man, such an easygoing, fun-loving man, whose life was filled with happiness, indeed. He was a beloved son, and a wonderful father, whose sons meant the world to him. Most of all, Keith Johnson was a good man, and a great friend. He will be greatly missed. JOHNSON, MR. KEITH W. Twin Lake Mr.Keith W. Johnson, age 45, died Tuesday, November 7, 2006. He was born in Highland Park, MI on August 9, 1961 to Clifford & Beverly Johnson. Mr. Johnson had been employed as a technician at Verizon. He was a member of West Michigan Pocket Billiards and the National Rifle Assocation. SURVIVORS Parents, Clifford & Beverly Johnson of Springfield, MO; 2 sons, Trevor & Sean Johnson; 1 step-son, Matthew Koeplin; girlfriend, Juanita Scott. SERVICE Thursday, November 9, 2006, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Robert G. Peterson officiating. VISITATION Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.