Keith J. Dragt

Keith was born in Grant, Michigan on November 22, 1951 to Henry Dragt, Sr. (1906-1981) and Anna Landheer Dragt (1908-1994). The youngest of eight boys he was already known as “Uncle Keith” at birth. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Calvin College where he studied Political Science. Keith drove the campaign bus during Gerald Ford’s final bid for the U. S. House of Representatives.

Keith enjoyed a very close relationship with his brother Rev. Gordon R. Dragt, who served for 20 transformative years as Senior Minister of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City. Keith felt called to the ministry and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary in 1984. In his 35 years of ministry with the Reformed Church of America, Keith was passionate about starting new churches and encouraging members of a diverse congregation to develop a relationship with God. He was a gifted preacher and touched many with his empathy, sense of humor, and his ability to make tangible the power of God’s love. In his final call to serve as pastor of the Reformed Church of Bronxville, New York, Keith was widely loved by the members of the congregation, community and staff.

Keith was also a life-long collector of antiques and art. After many years as a commercial farmer, his father Henry began to collect treasures, tucking them away in his Trade-Arama warehouse. Keith inherited this keen eye for value and the thrill of bringing special finds to market. He trained as an auctioneer and had a particularly beguiling chant. Enjoying a spiritual connection to Northern Michigan, the Southwest, and the mountains of North Carolina, Keith was especially drawn to Outsider and Native American art.

He is survived by his brothers Gordon and Wayne; sisters-in-law Gayle and Elaine; his wife of 17 years, Laura; his children Dirk (Susan), Andy (Gina), and Jennie (Erik); his stepdaughter Daisy (Carl); and grandchildren Haeli, Maya, Aiden, Josie, Abby and Calla. Keith so loved his children and grandchildren and the precious moments he spent with them meant the world to him. We are blessed by Keith’s presence in our lives. He had a loving spirit, an ability to listen, and a gift for comforting people in challenging times.

Gifts in his memory may be directed to the Atlanta Food Bank and the ASPCA.