Michael William Keech

Michael William Keech, 66, of Lorain, died Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Lake Pointe Health Center, Lorain.  He was born April 14, 1958 in Elyria and was a 1976 graduate of Elyria High School. 

Mike earned his Star rank as a Boy Scout. A strong canoe paddler, he was pressed into service to get an injured fellow Scout back to basecamp in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. He also played catcher on his Little League baseball team.

Mike was a second generation Elyria High School football team offensive lineman, earning a letter and being named lineman of the week several times during the 1975 season. He blocked for running back Hubert Oliver, who later played for the Philadelphia Eagles. His uncle Dart had blocked for Heisman Trophy winner Vic Janowicz, and Mike’s father set a record for snaps played. Mike’s dad, Nial, was a single-wing center, graduating in 1943; his schoolmates called him ‘Nails’. Like his father and his mother Carol, Mike was a powerful, constructive force.

In a game in Fremont Mike performed well against a player who had been named to an all-state defensive team. Mike put the player on his back, which is a sweet experience for an offensive lineman. He had great balance and played smart, under coach and family friend, ‘Shotgun’ Sheldon’s tutelage.

After being diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Mike served on a National Alliance for the Mentally Ill state advisory group, where his mother was also a long-time advocate for the availability of behavioral health services. He demonstrated his goodwill by his actions, as when he reassured a schoolmate experiencing her first psychiatric hospitalization that she would be OK; indeed she recovered, and has been a nurse for many years.

Mike was a materials handler at Guilford Instrument, getting necessary materials to various spots within the Oberlin facility; his supervisor Ron understood and connected with Mike. He earned an Associate’s Degree at Lorain County Community College. He had earlier worked at Sommer’s Mobile Home Park and delivered office supplies for Au Werter’s Office Outfitters.

While we have accompanied Mike on this final journey, the members of his extended family are flooded with memories of his steady good nature, his thoughtfulness and his generous love. His two brothers are indebted to him for the care he provided to each of our parents during their last days, while his brothers were located elsewhere.

Thank you for all the ways our family has experienced the love and support of our neighbors in our hometown, and for your care of Michael for over most of sixty-six years.

In memory of Mike, be generous in expressing love. Engage in quiet reflection, confess your shortcomings and always strive to be constructive.

Mike is survived by brothers, Spencer of Elyria and Bradley (Gayle) of Niles; an aunt, Sarah Keech and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nial Corbin and Carol Claire (nee Schroeder) Keech.

Friends will be received Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the courtyard at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 330 Second Street, Elyria.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a local nature center or metropark.

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