Keith H. Brooks

Keith Harry Brooks of Toledo, Ohio passed away at his daughter Kelly's home surrounded by his family on September 30, 2021 at the age of 81. Keith and his twin sister, Kay, were born on January 18,1940 to Harry and Gladys (Berge) Brooks in Moline, Ohio. They were welcomed home by his older sister Sally. During his youth, Keith helped his father with various jobs. When Keith was just 8 years old he began working in his father’s grocery store, Brooks Red and White, which many believe was the cornerstone of his work ethic and customer service. Keith's first love was working in his Grandma’s flower garden on her farm in Millbury. He loved cutting and arranging florals for fun which led to many 4-H projects. His Grandma Berge and Aunt Daisy were his heroes and role models for what later became his life’s work. As a graduate of Lake High School, class of 1958, he served as the Editor of the Lake Breezes newspaper and was active in art and set design for proms and plays. These early experiences of artistic creations added to his repertoire of amazing design and visions for the many events he would create in addition to knowing the perfect descriptions of all things beautiful whether it was a wedding floral proposal or a non-profit fundraiser. As a junior in high school, while working at Clyde and Paul’s Florist in Elmore, Ohio he made the decision to give up his scholarship in journalism to pursue a career in the floral business. In August of 1958, Keith graduated from Belen’s School of Floral Design in Lansing, Michigan followed by several opportunities to work at local flower shops including, John Vance, Mary A. Warnings and Bueche’s. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work with and train many coworkers and friends in the floral industry. Wherever he worked he was loved by both coworkers and clients alike. On December 26, 1984, Keith decided to open his own shop, “Keith H. Brooks Florist”. Anyone who knew him, knew this was where he was happiest, working many tireless hours, nights, weekends and of course, holidays. He had a large, loyal and devoted clientele. With his floral flair, Keith made all things beautiful including birth announcements, funeral services, wedding celebrations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Museum and Charitable events and too many private events to count. Keith’s biggest flaw was giving 150% for the cost of 100%. Anyone who spent even a small amount of time with Keith could see the passion he had in creating and designing amazing and sometimes over-the-top designs, however, many did not know that his favorite flower remained a “simple white carnation”. He was still hard at work working full time at Hafner Florist in Sylvania, Ohio until the age of 80. Keith could be found at Hafner right up until this year, amidst his failing health, teaching, directing and advising with the joy that only Keith could exude. He had the same hard-working stubbornness as his father who also worked well into old age. Preceding him in death were his sisters, Sally (Robert) Waggoner and Kay (John) Parker. Keith is survived by his daughters, Kim (Greg) Wasielewski and Kelly (Joe) Munger, and their mother Karen Lange, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his long-time friend, Chuck Pintner as well as many friends and colleagues. Keith’s family is planning an open house in Celebration of Keith and the wonderful man he was on November 21, 2021 at Olander Park’s Nederhouser Hall. The celebration will be held from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. All are welcome to join and reminisce on the impact Keith had in their lives. Those wishing to make a donation are asked to do so in his name to the 577 Foundation. There will be a Native Wildflower Garden planted in his memory.