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THOMAS: Keith of Grand Bend, formerly of California

March 8, 2024 By Haskett Funeral Homes 29 Condolences

THOMAS: Keith of Grand Bend, formerly of California

Keith Eric Thomas was born August 22, 1959 to Roosevelt and Jean Thomas in Martinez, CA.  Keith grew up in Richmond, CA and attended schools in the Richmond Unified School District and Graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1977. Keith had a great love for baseball.  In his youth, he started as a pitcher in little league baseball.  He went on to star as a pitcher in high school. Keith left Richmond Ca to play baseball in Phoenix, AZ at Phoenix Jr. College. This led him to be drafted into minor league  baseball by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Keith’s other passions included bowling, skiing, fishing and golfing. Keith was a fun-loving outgoing individual. He was the life of the party. Keith would not pass up a game of dominoes! He learned at an early age and could give anyone a run for their money.  He “talked” as good a game as he played! 

Keith had one daughter earlier in life Nia Thomas before he met and married the love of his life Leah Keith Thomas and to this union of 19 years, three children were born; Laelah, Ava, and Braxton. Keith leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Leah, his four children Nia, Laelah, Ava and Braxton, his mother Jean Thomas of Richmond, CA, his Brother Roosevelt Thomas Jr (Carmen) of Stockton, CA, one sister  Sabra Carter (Ruben) of Fairfield, Ca and a host of relatives and friends.

A private family funeral service will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter.

Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. 

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Filed Under: Exeter, Obituary

Condolence Messages

  1. Mike & Chris Burgess

    March 17, 2024 at 2:18 PM

    Leah, what a shock to learn today, of Keith’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Keith was a great guy who will surely be missed by many.

  2. Billy and Cindy Crowe

    March 17, 2024 at 1:56 PM

    So sorry for your loss Leah, Cindy and I are stunned to hear of Keith’s passing. He was such a fun loving guy who always had a smile. I would always tease him about winning so much in the Thursday night Men’s golf league at Oakwood and he would always erupt in laughter. His easy going layed back persona will be sorely missed.

  3. Doug MacLaine

    March 16, 2024 at 2:59 PM

    So sorry for your loss Leah and family. Quite a shock. I enjoyed playing golf with Keith and our many impromptu chats when we bumped into each other around the neighbourhood. I will miss his great laugh.

  4. Jill & Ralph Geiger

    March 13, 2024 at 7:27 AM

    To Leah and all of Keith’s children & family,
    We extend our sincere condolences on your profound loss.
    Our paths crossed when Keith worked at the Grand Bend Legion. Keith had a huge smile & one felt as though we had known him for ever. He always had a kind word.
    Wishing you comfort and peace .
    Jill & Ralph Geiger

  5. Sue Rock

    March 11, 2024 at 12:20 PM

    Sincere condolences to all. Gone too soon, such a great, laid back person. Sorry for your sorrow.

  6. Steve and Melodie Northey

    March 11, 2024 at 11:34 AM

    Leah, We are sending you our deepest condolences at the the sudden loss of your wonderful husband Keith. Hopefully the many memories he made with you and your family will help you through this very sad time.

    We too will cherish our memories of Keith such as when he would be removing snow from our walkways at Old Orchard Park, he’d stop and help people walk to their cars and clean it off for them. His warm wonderful smile greeted us whenever we met. Steve and he shared many laughs and conversations over the years, that somehow always ended in discussions about golf.

    Just know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve and Melodie Northey

  7. Mark and Alana Bresett

    March 9, 2024 at 7:01 PM

    Leah, Laelah, Ava and Braxton…We have just heard about your very great loss! We are so very sorry!
    We first met Keith when he helped move us into our Grand Bend home …his laugh/wit…so infectious! It was so easy to take to him immediately!
    He was a true gem who loved his family with a passion that we have rarely seen! I particularly remember the day he purchased balloons for a certain young woman’s 16th birthday celebration! He was so proud of you Laelah and….I think he was in awe of the young woman that you have become!
    Ava..Braxton…I have seen your dad’s gentle spirit in both of you …He has definately given you both his gift of finding the humour in life!
    Leah…It was always such a joy to see you and Keith together…you guys had a bond that was a joy to witness! True respect and love for each other…
    We sincerely hope that your memories of Keith will give you comfort and know that you will all carry him in your hearts for the rest of your lives.
    Mark and Alana

  8. Tino Breuer

    March 9, 2024 at 4:42 PM

    Sorry to hear of Keith passing. I comes as a big shock. Had the privilege of playing Darts with and against Keith at the Legion and chatting with him during his brief stint as a bartender there.
    My sincere condolences to his family whom I never really got to know.

  9. Linda Balcom

    March 9, 2024 at 3:49 PM

    Leah
    I could never imagine what you are feeling at this moment.
    He will truly be missed.
    Steve, Melissa and I can’t put into words how Keith will be missed. We are here for you and the kids. Reach out if I can help you.
    Know you are loved!

  10. Kim Hammond

    March 9, 2024 at 2:19 PM

    Leah,
    I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Keith. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is a profound loss, and I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Laelah, Ava and Braxton,
    Your Dad was such a kind and fun man, and his presence will be greatly missed at Grand Bend Public School events. I have a very fond memory of your Dad from just this school year while I was coaching the Grand Bend Public School volleyball teams. Your Dad was very tall and I am, of course, very short. We had “high fived” quite a few times over the years at different school events, especially sporting events. This time, however, your Dad purposely lifted his hand up way too high so I had to jump to reach his high five. 😄 Such a fun memory. I hope that you can each find comfort in the memories you shared together with your Dad and the love that will always remain in your heart.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Kim Hammond
    aka Mrs. Hammond

  11. John Relouw

    March 9, 2024 at 2:12 PM

    So sorry Leah to hear of Keith’s passing. Such an easy guy to get to know and to chat with. He will be missed.

  12. Chuck Box

    March 9, 2024 at 12:12 PM

    Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the families at this time. Janis and Chuck

  13. John Scatcherd

    March 9, 2024 at 9:37 AM

    Fun loving family first big smile. Tried to get in a walk stay in shape. Was a true gentleman loved the beach with his kids and wife. Would give a hand in every situation you will be missed Keith Canada was lucky to have known you. Lots of prayers to your loving wife and the kids. You were a great roll model.

  14. Rose Shaddock

    March 9, 2024 at 9:15 AM

    Words cannot express how sorry I was to hear of Keith’s passing. Keith was such a kind & friendly person to everyone. Sending my sincere condolences.

  15. Angela Neville

    March 9, 2024 at 7:54 AM

    Please accept our deepest condolences. A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved … Sending our love and hugs to you and the kiddos ❤️

  16. 1st Lady Geri Duncan

    March 9, 2024 at 2:54 AM

    Leah, our prayers are with you and your children ✝️🙏❤️🕊️. We have our memories of time we spent in our Church in Tracy. Keep your head up Leah🤗🙏🕊️.

  17. Colin Scatcherd

    March 9, 2024 at 12:04 AM

    Deepest condolences
    He will be missed around the club, and I will miss that great laughter and talking golf.
    A good friend and a beautiful person
    RIP sir

  18. Lot

    March 8, 2024 at 10:30 PM

    Ava Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending you lots of hugs❤️

  19. Ursula Bladek

    March 8, 2024 at 10:05 PM

    Dearest Leah Pearl and Girls Family.Our hearts are with you
    Our deep condolences May Lord be with you Ursula and Joe

  20. Karn Durdin

    March 8, 2024 at 10:00 PM

    Our deepest sympathy to Leah and family for your loss of Keith. He always was friendly and had a kind word. Keith will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Karn Durdin and family

  21. Paul Bedford

    March 8, 2024 at 9:52 PM

    Keith, Keith you left us so soon. Just yesterday it seems we were listening to sweet soul music and smoking cigars at Tammy’s. I will always remember your loving kindness and laughter. You were a real man. God bless you and your family.

  22. Jack Durance

    March 8, 2024 at 9:01 PM

    So sorry for your loss, condolences to all of your family. What an amazing and outgoing man.

  23. Jordan Grainger

    March 8, 2024 at 7:40 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss, Leah. My deepest condolences to you and the kids during this difficult time.

    Always enjoyed chatting with Keith, such a great guy. Sending my love to you ❤️❤️❤️

  24. Mandy McCann

    March 8, 2024 at 7:18 PM

    Sending love to the entire family and a little extra to Lyla’s sweet buddy, Braxton. Keith always offered a huge smile and friendly conversation when we saw him and his love for his family was obvious. I’m so very sorry for this incredible loss. Sending you all our love & prayers.

    Tony & Mandy
    Lyla, Hannah & Penny

  25. Shelley Goodhand

    March 8, 2024 at 5:52 PM

    My condolences to you all. Keith was always so kind and friendly to me. Hugs

  26. Vicky Lichty

    March 8, 2024 at 5:45 PM

    We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs. You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️

    Vicky and Corey Lichty

  27. Cameron Campbell

    March 8, 2024 at 1:01 PM

    Sorry for your loss Braxton, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your friend Cameron Campbell

  28. Ben Brenner and family

    March 8, 2024 at 12:50 PM

    It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write these words of condolence for the wonderful family of the late Keith Thomas. I have always been inspired by Keith’s unwavering spirit and boundless kindness, qualities that have left a lasting impact on me and my family. I remember his giant hugs and heart and how he expressed his love for his kids and mine. Please accept my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Know that I am here for you, should you need anything.

  29. Mark & Wendy Heywood

    March 8, 2024 at 11:19 AM

    So incredibly sorry for your loss. We share your sadness as you remember Keith.

    Always enjoyed our chats with Keith…….he was always kind & soft spoken. Our favourite topic was Braxton.
    Sending BIG hugs to our buddy Braxton & strength to you Leah…..and your girls. Take care of each other.

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