Keith D Tracy

Keith was born January 25, 1936, in Ithaca, Michigan, to Gordon and Lucile (Howes) Tracy. He proudly served his country as a Combat Engineer in the United States Army, and later worked as a detective for the Chessie Railway System, retiring in 1987. Keith enjoyed watching, as well as playing sports, and was most proud of his three hole-in-one golf achievements and the no-hitter baseball game he pitched. He was a skilled and successful coach, proudly leading teams to championships in baseball, as well as track and field, and coached his kids in numerous sports and activities. When it was college football season, you would find Keith cheering on his Michigan Wolverines, and watching the Spartans as well. He was a trivia buff and never lost a game of Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy during family game times. Keith was a master at do-it-yourself home projects and was able to build or fix anything that needed done. He loved taking his family to Detroit Tiger games, and on vacation across Michigan. In addition, Keith and Carole travelled to Italy, Mexico, and numerous states around the country, including Alaska and Hawaii. After retirement Keith and Carole moved to Arizona and enjoyed 20 years of year-round sunshine, returning to Michigan in 2021 to be near their children. Keith treasured any opportunity to spend time with his family, and thoroughly enjoyed being wined and dined by his kids, because as he would always say, “free is good”!

Keith is survived by his loving wife Carole (Wilkinson) Tracy, son Forrest (Anna) Tracy, daughter Colleen Kniffen, and daughter Bonnie (Mike) Faraone. He is also survived by his former son-in-law, Ron Kniffen of Haslett, MI, many nieces and nephews, and several friends, both lifelong and recent.

Keith was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Lucile, brothers Dale “Ted” Tracy and Max Tracy, and sisters Norlene Neal, and Evelyn Tracy.

There will be no formal services, but rather the family encourages you to remember Keith by raising a glass in a toast to a life well lived and enjoyed, and those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Keith’s name may do so to the charity of your choice.

Rest in peace Paw Daddy, we love you.