Keith Allan Maki, 70, of Holland, MI passed away January 11, 2025. Loving son, brother, husband, father, proud grandfather and friend, Keith leaves a legacy of talent, perpetual optimism, an immense love for his family and a true love of life.
Born in East Detroit, MI to Lorraine Rose Sullivan Maki (deceased March 2021) and Joseph Lawrence Maki (deceased January 1974), Keith was married to Christi Jo (Bouman) Maki and they had three children: Joseph Allan (Joe) Maki, married to JoJo Gager-Maki, Jenna Anne Maki, and Jessica Jo Maki Schriner, married to Evan Schriner; and one granddaughter, Leighton Schriner. He also loved his grand dogs, Henry, Banks, Gizmo and Xena.
Keith had two sisters, Gail Lynn Maki Long (deceased 2006) married to Ken Long and Dee Ann Maki Kuhn, married to Fred Kuhn. He was uncle to a niece and two nephews, Jack Long, MacKenzie (Grant) Foley and Griffin Kuhn.
An accomplished graphic artist, photographer and painter, Keith graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Fine Arts and an MBA from Aquinas College, working as a marketing executive for most of his career. Not only was he a lifelong learner, voracious reader, competitive tennis player, accomplished chef, frequent golfer and avid runner, Keith loved to travel, recently spending a year in Tuscany painting. He spent the last couple of years working in mixed medium, perfecting a technique where he painted over his photographs, many of which he showed in local galleries.
Having moved to West Michigan after college, Keith fell in love with Lake Michigan, Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven, spending the rest of his life raising his family in Holland. The trails at the Saugatuck Dunes were his happy place.
What Keith leaves beyond his incredible love for his family and his art is an exceptional sense of humor. No matter how dire or sad a situation, Keith knew how to inject fun and laughter to uplift those around him, encouraging them to see that “everything would be alright.” Rarely did you see Keith without a smile. You would never receive a text from Keith without his trademark heart and smiling sunglasses emojis. His greatest joy was holding his new granddaughter Leighton.
He will be eternally missed by all who knew him.
An open house Celebration of Life will be held at A Cut Above – 6080 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI 49453 on Saturday, January 18th from 3–7pm. The family asks that you dress casually — just as Keith would want.
If you wish to send flowers, the family requests that you use Huisman Flowers – 616-399-5060.
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