Keith Harry Brooks of Toledo, Ohio passed away at his daughter Kelly's home surrounded by his family on September 30, 2021 at the age of 81.
Keith and his twin sister, Kay, were born on January 18, 1940 to Harry and Gladys (Berge) Brooks in Moline, Ohio. They were welcomed home by his older sister Sally.
During his youth, Keith helped his father with various jobs. When Keith was just 8 years old he began working in his father's grocery store, Brooks Red and White, which many believe was the cornerstone of his work ethic and customer service.
Keith's first love was working in his Grandma's flower garden on her farm in Millbury. He loved cutting and arranging florals for fun which led to many 4-H projects. His Grandma Berge and Aunt Daisy were his heroes and role models for what later became his life's work.
As a graduate of Lake High School, class of 1958, he served as the Editor of the Lake Breezes newspaper and was active in art and set design for proms and plays. These early experiences of artistic creations added to his repertoire of amazing design and visions for the many events he would create in addition to knowing the perfect descriptions of all things beautiful whether it was a wedding floral proposal or a non-profit fundraiser.
As a junior in high school, while working at Clyde and Paul's Florist in Elmore, Ohio he made the decision to give up his scholarship in journalism to pursue a career in the floral business.
In August of 1958, Keith graduated from Belen's School of Floral Design in Lansing, Michigan followed by several opportunities to work at local flower shops including, John Vance, Mary A. Warnings and Bueche's. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work with and train many coworkers and friends in the floral industry. Wherever he worked he was loved by both coworkers and clients alike.
On December 26, 1984, Keith decided to open his own shop, "Keith H. Brooks Florist". Anyone who knew him, knew this was where he was happiest, working many tireless hours, nights, weekends and of course, holidays. He had a large, loyal and devoted clientele. With his floral flair, Keith made all things beautiful including birth announcements, funeral services, wedding celebrations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Museum and Charitable events and too many private events to count. Keith's biggest flaw was giving 150% for the cost of 100%. Anyone who spent even a small amount of time with Keith could see the passion he had in creating and designing amazing and sometimes over-the-top designs, however, many did not know that his favorite flower remained a "simple white carnation".
He was still hard at work working full time at Hafner Florist in Sylvania, Ohio until the age of 80. Keith could be found at Hafner right up until this year, amidst his failing health, teaching, directing and advising with the joy that only Keith could exude. He had the same hard-working stubbornness as his father who also worked well into old age.
Preceding him in death were his sisters, Sally (Robert) Waggoner and Kay (John) Parker.
Keith is survived by his daughters, Kim (Greg) Wasielewski and Kelly (Joe) Munger; and their mother, Karen Lange; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his long-time friend, Chuck Pintner; as well as many friends and colleagues.
Keith's family is planning an open house in Celebration of Keith and the wonderful man he was on November 21, 2021 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall. The celebration will be held from 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to join and reminisce on the impact Keith had in their lives.
Those wishing to make a donation are asked to do so in his name to the 577Foundation.org, an environmental conservation site and educational oasis. There will be a Native Wildflower Garden planted in his memory.
www.toledocremation.com
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
-------------
By Mark Zaborney
Blade Staff Writer
Keith H. Brooks, a floral designer who embellished everyday arrangements and brought his distinctive touch to the wedding atmospheres and themed charity events he created, died Sept. 30 in the Delta, Ohio, home of his daughter Kelly Munger. He was 81.
He was in declining health after a cerebral hemorrhage this spring, his daughter Kim Wasielewski said. Still, he occasionally visited Hafner Florist in Sylvania, where he worked until his 80th birthday in January, 2020, and stopped by to see the arrangements at the LPGA Marathon Classic and at Solheim Cup festivities in downtown Toledo.
"He always liked work. He had no other hobbies but working," said daughter Kim, a floral designer who was a child when she first worked with him.
At Hafner, he acted as a teacher and mentor to younger staff members and "was a muse to everyone," owner Dan Hafner said. "He had a knack to help us open up our minds.
"He always had a reputation par excellence. He was so creative, and his reputation grew and grew. We were fortunate to have him for about eight years. He fit into the shop immediately," Mr. Hafner said.
At his surprise 2020 birthday party at The Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim in Sylvania Township, guests feted Mr. Brooks and shared stories of his generosity and creativity, reported Blade society editor Barbara Hendel, who recalled that the sheer drapery he would suspend from ceilings and crystal chandeliers turned "an ordinary banquet room or tent into a wonderland."
Mr. Brooks, who turned down a journalism scholarship to attend floral design school, prepared detailed proposals for families seeking his services - not dry columns of numbers, but instead word pictures of the view in the room from multiple perspectives. He often acted as de factor wedding planner, when that wasn't a separate specialty.
He'd been art director and set designer for his high school's plays and events. Decades later, for his wedding and event work, he stored sets and painted drops and 3-dimensional objects in warehouses - each reimagined for the next event.
"These were choreographed extravaganzas," said Bob Lubell of Grand Lubell Photography, who worked often in tandem with Mr. Brooks at weddings and charity events for decades.
"He was an artist, a tremendous florist, a visionary," Mr. Lubell said. "He delivered his vision."
Signatures included stargazer lilies and white roses, metallics, centerpieces towering at least 6 feet above table tops.
"If you had 16-foot ceilings, he built to that scale. Everything was tall and grand and impressive," Mr. Lubell said.
He designed and decorated bar and bat mitzvahs events. He provided arrangements for galleries at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Working with charities and civic groups, he attended all the planning luncheons - which he decorated - and then directed his corps of works on event day.
"Every charitable ball in town had Keith Brooks," Mr. Lubell said. "He truly owned the elegant town."
He was born Jan. 18, 1940, to Gladys and Harry Brooks. He grew up in Wood County's Lake Township, in the residence adjoining his father's grocery store in the community of Moline. From age 8 he helped with store errands and swept up. He learned to count in the store too. At his grandmother's Bradner Road farm, he worked in the flower garden.
At Lake High School, Mr. Brooks was president of his 1958 graduating class and editor of the student newspaper. While a junior, he went to work at an Elmore florist shop. He was a graduate of Belen School of Floral Design in Lansing, encouraged to attend by one of the shop's proprietors.
In Toledo, Mr. Brooks worked for such shops as John Vance, Mary A. Warning, and Bueche's Garden Center. He opened Keith H. Brooks Florist in 1984. He closed his Sylvania shop in 2012.
He also taught at what is now Penta Career Center.
"He was always looking for the best interest of others," daughter Kim said.
He was formerly married to Karen Willey Lange.
Surviving are his daughters Kim Wasielewski and Kelly Munger; 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
An open house in celebration of Mr. Brooks' life is planned from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall in Sylvania. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Toledo.
The family suggests tributes to the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg.
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
Keith and his twin sister, Kay, were born on January 18, 1940 to Harry and Gladys (Berge) Brooks in Moline, Ohio. They were welcomed home by his older sister Sally.
During his youth, Keith helped his father with various jobs. When Keith was just 8 years old he began working in his father's grocery store, Brooks Red and White, which many believe was the cornerstone of his work ethic and customer service.
Keith's first love was working in his Grandma's flower garden on her farm in Millbury. He loved cutting and arranging florals for fun which led to many 4-H projects. His Grandma Berge and Aunt Daisy were his heroes and role models for what later became his life's work.
As a graduate of Lake High School, class of 1958, he served as the Editor of the Lake Breezes newspaper and was active in art and set design for proms and plays. These early experiences of artistic creations added to his repertoire of amazing design and visions for the many events he would create in addition to knowing the perfect descriptions of all things beautiful whether it was a wedding floral proposal or a non-profit fundraiser.
As a junior in high school, while working at Clyde and Paul's Florist in Elmore, Ohio he made the decision to give up his scholarship in journalism to pursue a career in the floral business.
In August of 1958, Keith graduated from Belen's School of Floral Design in Lansing, Michigan followed by several opportunities to work at local flower shops including, John Vance, Mary A. Warnings and Bueche's. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work with and train many coworkers and friends in the floral industry. Wherever he worked he was loved by both coworkers and clients alike.
On December 26, 1984, Keith decided to open his own shop, "Keith H. Brooks Florist". Anyone who knew him, knew this was where he was happiest, working many tireless hours, nights, weekends and of course, holidays. He had a large, loyal and devoted clientele. With his floral flair, Keith made all things beautiful including birth announcements, funeral services, wedding celebrations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Museum and Charitable events and too many private events to count. Keith's biggest flaw was giving 150% for the cost of 100%. Anyone who spent even a small amount of time with Keith could see the passion he had in creating and designing amazing and sometimes over-the-top designs, however, many did not know that his favorite flower remained a "simple white carnation".
He was still hard at work working full time at Hafner Florist in Sylvania, Ohio until the age of 80. Keith could be found at Hafner right up until this year, amidst his failing health, teaching, directing and advising with the joy that only Keith could exude. He had the same hard-working stubbornness as his father who also worked well into old age.
Preceding him in death were his sisters, Sally (Robert) Waggoner and Kay (John) Parker.
Keith is survived by his daughters, Kim (Greg) Wasielewski and Kelly (Joe) Munger; and their mother, Karen Lange; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his long-time friend, Chuck Pintner; as well as many friends and colleagues.
Keith's family is planning an open house in Celebration of Keith and the wonderful man he was on November 21, 2021 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall. The celebration will be held from 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to join and reminisce on the impact Keith had in their lives.
Those wishing to make a donation are asked to do so in his name to the 577Foundation.org, an environmental conservation site and educational oasis. There will be a Native Wildflower Garden planted in his memory.
www.toledocremation.com
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
-------------
By Mark Zaborney
Blade Staff Writer
Keith H. Brooks, a floral designer who embellished everyday arrangements and brought his distinctive touch to the wedding atmospheres and themed charity events he created, died Sept. 30 in the Delta, Ohio, home of his daughter Kelly Munger. He was 81.
He was in declining health after a cerebral hemorrhage this spring, his daughter Kim Wasielewski said. Still, he occasionally visited Hafner Florist in Sylvania, where he worked until his 80th birthday in January, 2020, and stopped by to see the arrangements at the LPGA Marathon Classic and at Solheim Cup festivities in downtown Toledo.
"He always liked work. He had no other hobbies but working," said daughter Kim, a floral designer who was a child when she first worked with him.
At Hafner, he acted as a teacher and mentor to younger staff members and "was a muse to everyone," owner Dan Hafner said. "He had a knack to help us open up our minds.
"He always had a reputation par excellence. He was so creative, and his reputation grew and grew. We were fortunate to have him for about eight years. He fit into the shop immediately," Mr. Hafner said.
At his surprise 2020 birthday party at The Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim in Sylvania Township, guests feted Mr. Brooks and shared stories of his generosity and creativity, reported Blade society editor Barbara Hendel, who recalled that the sheer drapery he would suspend from ceilings and crystal chandeliers turned "an ordinary banquet room or tent into a wonderland."
Mr. Brooks, who turned down a journalism scholarship to attend floral design school, prepared detailed proposals for families seeking his services - not dry columns of numbers, but instead word pictures of the view in the room from multiple perspectives. He often acted as de factor wedding planner, when that wasn't a separate specialty.
He'd been art director and set designer for his high school's plays and events. Decades later, for his wedding and event work, he stored sets and painted drops and 3-dimensional objects in warehouses - each reimagined for the next event.
"These were choreographed extravaganzas," said Bob Lubell of Grand Lubell Photography, who worked often in tandem with Mr. Brooks at weddings and charity events for decades.
"He was an artist, a tremendous florist, a visionary," Mr. Lubell said. "He delivered his vision."
Signatures included stargazer lilies and white roses, metallics, centerpieces towering at least 6 feet above table tops.
"If you had 16-foot ceilings, he built to that scale. Everything was tall and grand and impressive," Mr. Lubell said.
He designed and decorated bar and bat mitzvahs events. He provided arrangements for galleries at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Working with charities and civic groups, he attended all the planning luncheons - which he decorated - and then directed his corps of works on event day.
"Every charitable ball in town had Keith Brooks," Mr. Lubell said. "He truly owned the elegant town."
He was born Jan. 18, 1940, to Gladys and Harry Brooks. He grew up in Wood County's Lake Township, in the residence adjoining his father's grocery store in the community of Moline. From age 8 he helped with store errands and swept up. He learned to count in the store too. At his grandmother's Bradner Road farm, he worked in the flower garden.
At Lake High School, Mr. Brooks was president of his 1958 graduating class and editor of the student newspaper. While a junior, he went to work at an Elmore florist shop. He was a graduate of Belen School of Floral Design in Lansing, encouraged to attend by one of the shop's proprietors.
In Toledo, Mr. Brooks worked for such shops as John Vance, Mary A. Warning, and Bueche's Garden Center. He opened Keith H. Brooks Florist in 1984. He closed his Sylvania shop in 2012.
He also taught at what is now Penta Career Center.
"He was always looking for the best interest of others," daughter Kim said.
He was formerly married to Karen Willey Lange.
Surviving are his daughters Kim Wasielewski and Kelly Munger; 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
An open house in celebration of Mr. Brooks' life is planned from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall in Sylvania. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Toledo.
The family suggests tributes to the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg.
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
Keith Harry Brooks of Toledo, Ohio passed away at his daughter Kelly's home surrounded by his family on September 30, 2021 at the age of 81.
Keith and his twin sister, Kay, were born on January 18, 1940 to Harry and Gladys (Berge) Brooks in Moline, Ohio. They were welcomed home by his older sister Sally.
During his youth, Keith helped his father with various jobs. When Keith was just 8 years old he began working in his father's grocery store, Brooks Red and White, which many believe was the cornerstone of his work ethic and customer service.
Keith's first love was working in his Grandma's flower garden on her farm in Millbury. He loved cutting and arranging florals for fun which led to many 4-H projects. His Grandma Berge and Aunt Daisy were his heroes and role models for what later became his life's work.
As a graduate of Lake High School, class of 1958, he served as the Editor of the Lake Breezes newspaper and was active in art and set design for proms and plays. These early experiences of artistic creations added to his repertoire of amazing design and visions for the many events he would create in addition to knowing the perfect descriptions of all things beautiful whether it was a wedding floral proposal or a non-profit fundraiser.
As a junior in high school, while working at Clyde and Paul's Florist in Elmore, Ohio he made the decision to give up his scholarship in journalism to pursue a career in the floral business.
In August of 1958, Keith graduated from Belen's School of Floral Design in Lansing, Michigan followed by several opportunities to work at local flower shops including, John Vance, Mary A. Warnings and Bueche's. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work with and train many coworkers and friends in the floral industry. Wherever he worked he was loved by both coworkers and clients alike.
On December 26, 1984, Keith decided to open his own shop, "Keith H. Brooks Florist". Anyone who knew him, knew this was where he was happiest, working many tireless hours, nights, weekends and of course, holidays. He had a large, loyal and devoted clientele. With his floral flair, Keith made all things beautiful including birth announcements, funeral services, wedding celebrations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Museum and Charitable events and too many private events to count. Keith's biggest flaw was giving 150% for the cost of 100%. Anyone who spent even a small amount of time with Keith could see the passion he had in creating and designing amazing and sometimes over-the-top designs, however, many did not know that his favorite flower remained a "simple white carnation".
He was still hard at work working full time at Hafner Florist in Sylvania, Ohio until the age of 80. Keith could be found at Hafner right up until this year, amidst his failing health, teaching, directing and advising with the joy that only Keith could exude. He had the same hard-working stubbornness as his father who also worked well into old age.
Preceding him in death were his sisters, Sally (Robert) Waggoner and Kay (John) Parker.
Keith is survived by his daughters, Kim (Greg) Wasielewski and Kelly (Joe) Munger; and their mother, Karen Lange; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his long-time friend, Chuck Pintner; as well as many friends and colleagues.
Keith's family is planning an open house in Celebration of Keith and the wonderful man he was on November 21, 2021 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall. The celebration will be held from 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to join and reminisce on the impact Keith had in their lives.
Those wishing to make a donation are asked to do so in his name to the 577Foundation.org, an environmental conservation site and educational oasis. There will be a Native Wildflower Garden planted in his memory.
www.toledocremation.com
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
-------------
By Mark Zaborney
Blade Staff Writer
Keith H. Brooks, a floral designer who embellished everyday arrangements and brought his distinctive touch to the wedding atmospheres and themed charity events he created, died Sept. 30 in the Delta, Ohio, home of his daughter Kelly Munger. He was 81.
He was in declining health after a cerebral hemorrhage this spring, his daughter Kim Wasielewski said. Still, he occasionally visited Hafner Florist in Sylvania, where he worked until his 80th birthday in January, 2020, and stopped by to see the arrangements at the LPGA Marathon Classic and at Solheim Cup festivities in downtown Toledo.
"He always liked work. He had no other hobbies but working," said daughter Kim, a floral designer who was a child when she first worked with him.
At Hafner, he acted as a teacher and mentor to younger staff members and "was a muse to everyone," owner Dan Hafner said. "He had a knack to help us open up our minds.
"He always had a reputation par excellence. He was so creative, and his reputation grew and grew. We were fortunate to have him for about eight years. He fit into the shop immediately," Mr. Hafner said.
At his surprise 2020 birthday party at The Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim in Sylvania Township, guests feted Mr. Brooks and shared stories of his generosity and creativity, reported Blade society editor Barbara Hendel, who recalled that the sheer drapery he would suspend from ceilings and crystal chandeliers turned "an ordinary banquet room or tent into a wonderland."
Mr. Brooks, who turned down a journalism scholarship to attend floral design school, prepared detailed proposals for families seeking his services - not dry columns of numbers, but instead word pictures of the view in the room from multiple perspectives. He often acted as de factor wedding planner, when that wasn't a separate specialty.
He'd been art director and set designer for his high school's plays and events. Decades later, for his wedding and event work, he stored sets and painted drops and 3-dimensional objects in warehouses - each reimagined for the next event.
"These were choreographed extravaganzas," said Bob Lubell of Grand Lubell Photography, who worked often in tandem with Mr. Brooks at weddings and charity events for decades.
"He was an artist, a tremendous florist, a visionary," Mr. Lubell said. "He delivered his vision."
Signatures included stargazer lilies and white roses, metallics, centerpieces towering at least 6 feet above table tops.
"If you had 16-foot ceilings, he built to that scale. Everything was tall and grand and impressive," Mr. Lubell said.
He designed and decorated bar and bat mitzvahs events. He provided arrangements for galleries at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Working with charities and civic groups, he attended all the planning luncheons - which he decorated - and then directed his corps of works on event day.
"Every charitable ball in town had Keith Brooks," Mr. Lubell said. "He truly owned the elegant town."
He was born Jan. 18, 1940, to Gladys and Harry Brooks. He grew up in Wood County's Lake Township, in the residence adjoining his father's grocery store in the community of Moline. From age 8 he helped with store errands and swept up. He learned to count in the store too. At his grandmother's Bradner Road farm, he worked in the flower garden.
At Lake High School, Mr. Brooks was president of his 1958 graduating class and editor of the student newspaper. While a junior, he went to work at an Elmore florist shop. He was a graduate of Belen School of Floral Design in Lansing, encouraged to attend by one of the shop's proprietors.
In Toledo, Mr. Brooks worked for such shops as John Vance, Mary A. Warning, and Bueche's Garden Center. He opened Keith H. Brooks Florist in 1984. He closed his Sylvania shop in 2012.
He also taught at what is now Penta Career Center.
"He was always looking for the best interest of others," daughter Kim said.
He was formerly married to Karen Willey Lange.
Surviving are his daughters Kim Wasielewski and Kelly Munger; 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
An open house in celebration of Mr. Brooks' life is planned from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall in Sylvania. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Toledo.
The family suggests tributes to the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg.
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
Keith and his twin sister, Kay, were born on January 18, 1940 to Harry and Gladys (Berge) Brooks in Moline, Ohio. They were welcomed home by his older sister Sally.
During his youth, Keith helped his father with various jobs. When Keith was just 8 years old he began working in his father's grocery store, Brooks Red and White, which many believe was the cornerstone of his work ethic and customer service.
Keith's first love was working in his Grandma's flower garden on her farm in Millbury. He loved cutting and arranging florals for fun which led to many 4-H projects. His Grandma Berge and Aunt Daisy were his heroes and role models for what later became his life's work.
As a graduate of Lake High School, class of 1958, he served as the Editor of the Lake Breezes newspaper and was active in art and set design for proms and plays. These early experiences of artistic creations added to his repertoire of amazing design and visions for the many events he would create in addition to knowing the perfect descriptions of all things beautiful whether it was a wedding floral proposal or a non-profit fundraiser.
As a junior in high school, while working at Clyde and Paul's Florist in Elmore, Ohio he made the decision to give up his scholarship in journalism to pursue a career in the floral business.
In August of 1958, Keith graduated from Belen's School of Floral Design in Lansing, Michigan followed by several opportunities to work at local flower shops including, John Vance, Mary A. Warnings and Bueche's. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work with and train many coworkers and friends in the floral industry. Wherever he worked he was loved by both coworkers and clients alike.
On December 26, 1984, Keith decided to open his own shop, "Keith H. Brooks Florist". Anyone who knew him, knew this was where he was happiest, working many tireless hours, nights, weekends and of course, holidays. He had a large, loyal and devoted clientele. With his floral flair, Keith made all things beautiful including birth announcements, funeral services, wedding celebrations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Museum and Charitable events and too many private events to count. Keith's biggest flaw was giving 150% for the cost of 100%. Anyone who spent even a small amount of time with Keith could see the passion he had in creating and designing amazing and sometimes over-the-top designs, however, many did not know that his favorite flower remained a "simple white carnation".
He was still hard at work working full time at Hafner Florist in Sylvania, Ohio until the age of 80. Keith could be found at Hafner right up until this year, amidst his failing health, teaching, directing and advising with the joy that only Keith could exude. He had the same hard-working stubbornness as his father who also worked well into old age.
Preceding him in death were his sisters, Sally (Robert) Waggoner and Kay (John) Parker.
Keith is survived by his daughters, Kim (Greg) Wasielewski and Kelly (Joe) Munger; and their mother, Karen Lange; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his long-time friend, Chuck Pintner; as well as many friends and colleagues.
Keith's family is planning an open house in Celebration of Keith and the wonderful man he was on November 21, 2021 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall. The celebration will be held from 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to join and reminisce on the impact Keith had in their lives.
Those wishing to make a donation are asked to do so in his name to the 577Foundation.org, an environmental conservation site and educational oasis. There will be a Native Wildflower Garden planted in his memory.
www.toledocremation.com
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
-------------
By Mark Zaborney
Blade Staff Writer
Keith H. Brooks, a floral designer who embellished everyday arrangements and brought his distinctive touch to the wedding atmospheres and themed charity events he created, died Sept. 30 in the Delta, Ohio, home of his daughter Kelly Munger. He was 81.
He was in declining health after a cerebral hemorrhage this spring, his daughter Kim Wasielewski said. Still, he occasionally visited Hafner Florist in Sylvania, where he worked until his 80th birthday in January, 2020, and stopped by to see the arrangements at the LPGA Marathon Classic and at Solheim Cup festivities in downtown Toledo.
"He always liked work. He had no other hobbies but working," said daughter Kim, a floral designer who was a child when she first worked with him.
At Hafner, he acted as a teacher and mentor to younger staff members and "was a muse to everyone," owner Dan Hafner said. "He had a knack to help us open up our minds.
"He always had a reputation par excellence. He was so creative, and his reputation grew and grew. We were fortunate to have him for about eight years. He fit into the shop immediately," Mr. Hafner said.
At his surprise 2020 birthday party at The Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim in Sylvania Township, guests feted Mr. Brooks and shared stories of his generosity and creativity, reported Blade society editor Barbara Hendel, who recalled that the sheer drapery he would suspend from ceilings and crystal chandeliers turned "an ordinary banquet room or tent into a wonderland."
Mr. Brooks, who turned down a journalism scholarship to attend floral design school, prepared detailed proposals for families seeking his services - not dry columns of numbers, but instead word pictures of the view in the room from multiple perspectives. He often acted as de factor wedding planner, when that wasn't a separate specialty.
He'd been art director and set designer for his high school's plays and events. Decades later, for his wedding and event work, he stored sets and painted drops and 3-dimensional objects in warehouses - each reimagined for the next event.
"These were choreographed extravaganzas," said Bob Lubell of Grand Lubell Photography, who worked often in tandem with Mr. Brooks at weddings and charity events for decades.
"He was an artist, a tremendous florist, a visionary," Mr. Lubell said. "He delivered his vision."
Signatures included stargazer lilies and white roses, metallics, centerpieces towering at least 6 feet above table tops.
"If you had 16-foot ceilings, he built to that scale. Everything was tall and grand and impressive," Mr. Lubell said.
He designed and decorated bar and bat mitzvahs events. He provided arrangements for galleries at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Working with charities and civic groups, he attended all the planning luncheons - which he decorated - and then directed his corps of works on event day.
"Every charitable ball in town had Keith Brooks," Mr. Lubell said. "He truly owned the elegant town."
He was born Jan. 18, 1940, to Gladys and Harry Brooks. He grew up in Wood County's Lake Township, in the residence adjoining his father's grocery store in the community of Moline. From age 8 he helped with store errands and swept up. He learned to count in the store too. At his grandmother's Bradner Road farm, he worked in the flower garden.
At Lake High School, Mr. Brooks was president of his 1958 graduating class and editor of the student newspaper. While a junior, he went to work at an Elmore florist shop. He was a graduate of Belen School of Floral Design in Lansing, encouraged to attend by one of the shop's proprietors.
In Toledo, Mr. Brooks worked for such shops as John Vance, Mary A. Warning, and Bueche's Garden Center. He opened Keith H. Brooks Florist in 1984. He closed his Sylvania shop in 2012.
He also taught at what is now Penta Career Center.
"He was always looking for the best interest of others," daughter Kim said.
He was formerly married to Karen Willey Lange.
Surviving are his daughters Kim Wasielewski and Kelly Munger; 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
An open house in celebration of Mr. Brooks' life is planned from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Olander Park's Nederhouser Hall in Sylvania. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Toledo.
The family suggests tributes to the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg.
Published by The Blade on Oct. 10, 2021.
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