Submitted by his wife

Keith A. ‘Pook’ Firment was not only the ‘ROCK’ of his family‚ he was the heart of his friends‚ community and fire department. Keith died January 22‚ 2004 after responding to a fire call. His memory is sadly missed. Our hearts are full of sadness‚ but Keith filled all of our lives with memories of love.

Keith was a 20-year member of the Marguerite Volunteer Fire Department. He was the Captain of the department for several years. He followed after his grandfather‚ father and brother. Being a member of the department wasn’t ever a decision. It was his way of life‚ and he loved it!

Keith was my rock. He stood with me through thick and thin. I am Laura (Lee) his wife of 8 years. Keith was the proud father of five children. Kieran and Keaton are our two beautiful sons. Brandon‚ Jessica and Connor were to my previous marriage. He loved being a father. Keith was very involved with our children. Coaching‚ tutoring and sponsoring all came easy to him. Spending time with our children is what we did. Football games‚ band concerts‚ listening to music in Keith’s Monte-Carlo‚ or even just spotting dear. He made simple things fun. He instilled guidance‚ morals and love into the souls of our children.

I am truly grateful and blessed for having Keith in my life. He was the youngest of 5 siblings. He was always the ornery one of the bunch making his brother and sisters laugh. His nieces and nephews adored him. They admired him along with our children. He also leaves behind his father and a special aunt. We all miss him dearly.

Keith was a heavy equipment operator with Unity Township Supervisors. He loved his job. He enjoyed working in the community where he was born and raised. Interacting with all the people in the township was one of his favorite things. His political personality always came in handy while dealing with the public. He always knew what to say and what not to say. He played the political game with such charm. He was respected in his community and at work. He often said his boss and his co-workers were some of his closest friends.

Keith’s commitment to volunteering enabled him to do many things .He taught our local elementary schools fire safety classes. He helped our church with many endeavors. Also‚ He was Santa Claus for 18 years. He did this for the fire department‚ local families and for the mentally/physically challenged. Our children insist that he was the real Santa. In addition‚ Keith loved the outdoors. Hunting‚ golfing and fishing gave him an escape from our hectic daily life.

Today‚ as I look back on the time that we spent with Keith‚ all of this has made us all stronger. I know that we are never alone. We often see the department number 33. We feel it is a special way that Keith lets us know he is with us all. I know that the department has a guardian angel guiding them in life’s journey. Keith inspired many people. What he has instilled in our children will be his legacy. His love‚ commitment‚ devotion to community service and his love of life will live on forever.