Thomas Thomas

Thomas Keith Thomas passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017. He was 72. During the prime of his life, people often remarked that he resembled David Letterman. With that in mind, here are the Top 10 things you should remember about him.

10. Yes, his first name AND last name were Thomas.
However, because Thomas Thomas is confusing (and maybe even mean), he often went by Keith, T. Keith, TK, TKT, Butch, Dad or Grandpa instead.

9. He was the baby.
While Keith's mother and father, Hilda and William, may have erred in naming him, they loved him very much. Bill and Linda also loved Keith. He was the little brother they looked out for when growing up. Unfortunately, Hilda, William, Bill, and Linda are no longer with us either. However, they can now all take Keith fishing (again).

8. He was an athlete.
Keith earned multiple varsity letters as a member of the Sturgis High School (MI) football and basketball teams. He also ran a 2:02 half-mile as a freshman (on a cinder track). Later in life (and after major knee surgery), Keith was frequently the "all-time-quarterback" for neighborhood football games. He also took up bicycling and cross-country skiing (and even completed a Birkebeiner).

7. He was an architect.
After earning his Associates Degree from Ferris State (MI), Keith joined the Madison, WI office of Flad & Associates, where he worked for several decades. Keith was proud of his position and proud that it was the only professional job he ever had.

6. He was obsessed with projects.
Long before most people even heard of Lowes or HGTV, Keith displayed a propensity to engage in D-I-Y home projects. Whether it was replacing floors, building a porch, or cutting random holes into ceilings and walls, Keith was up to the challenge. Make no mistake, those close to him often hated (and avoided) these projects - but they also admired his results.

5. He was Wisconsin guy.
Despite his strong Michigan roots, Keith enjoyed his Wisconsin cheese and beer as much as anyone else living in the 608 area code. He also always cheered loudly for the Badgers and Packers (even during their tough years). However, one son argues Keith also remained a Michigan fan (Go Blue!).

4. He loved his dogs.
In his later years, Keith had three standard poodles: Jasper, Mister and Tahoe. In his earlier years, he had Pepper and Missy. There is little doubt that Keith is now playing with these dogs in his afterlife. He will also be missed by his four surviving grand-puppies: Otto, Lulu, Charley and Angel.

3. He had two divorces.
When he was younger, Keith was married to (and then divorced from) Rebecca Hudson. When he was older, he was married to (and then divorced from) Diana Hicks. While neither marriage lasted until the end, his memories and relationships did. Keith always thought highly of the Hudson and Hicks families and each of those families already misses him.

2. He was a dad.
Keith is survived by his three children: his daughter, Laurie (of St. Charles, IL); his son, Jeff (of Midland, MI); and his son Mike (of New Glarus, WI). All three children were with Keith when he passed, as were his son-in-law, William (of St. Charles, IL) and his daughter-in-law, Mary (of Midland, MI).

1. He was a grandpa.
Keith is also survived by his three grandchildren: Vincent (a rising football star from St. Charles, IL); Gabriela (an animal lover from St. Charles, IL); and Emma (a speedy track athlete from Midland, MI). All three grandchildren were with Keith when he passed. He is so proud of each of them.

Keith did not want a service. Thus, there is no funeral to attend (or place to send flowers). However, if you would like to do something to remember Keith, his children ask that you please forward this obituary to those who will miss him - and please say a prayer for him. Also, if you desire to chip in funds, like the folks at the end of Keith's favorite movie (It's a Wonderful Life), please donate to: Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care; 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy; Madison, WI 53711 (online at www.agrace.org ). This organization made Keith's final years much more bearable. Your support will help them continue with their important work. The Thomas family would also like to extend a special thanks to Ruth and her therapy dog who regularly visited Keith during his final years (thank you, Ruth!).