Keith M. Brigode

Keith M. Brigode, age 71, died peacefully in hospice, after a 35-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with his loving wife of 48 years, Denise, by his side. Keith was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Thomas Dale and Mary Francis (McManus) Brigode on June 23, 1953. Keith’s interests in science and technology led him to be known for his know-how, as a repairman, builder, and problem solver, as well as a troublemaker. No matter what the situation, Keith’s sense of humor (or sarcasm) was always present. One of Keith’s many goals was to write his own memoirs; his Parkinson’s prevented him from doing so. Had he succeeded, it would probably sound something like this: Keith loved growing up in Perrysburg, Ohio. There he made lifelong friends attending St. Rose School. He enjoyed participating in Boy Scouts and camping. Playing with model trains in his parents’ basement is where his love for trains began. While attending St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, Class of 1971, Keith participated in the theater and the Ham Radio Club among other activities. He was known to some as Ace Brigode, a nickname he also used at OSU. Many lifelong friendships were made there. His first real job was working at Mills Hardware, and it was where he returned to work when he was living in town. After graduation, Keith floated aimlessly for a couple of years, attending The Ohio State University for a while and joining the Navy, before returning to Perrysburg to attempt school again, including at Mary Manse College, the University of Toledo and Owens Community College, where he studied computer science. Computer programming became Keith’s focus. He gained enough knowledge to be hired without a degree and within a couple of years had started his own business. With his success he eventually became an associate of Brigode and Associates, Inc., a consulting firm started by his father. Keith’s computer niche became coordinating equipment and gauges out in the field to communicate with computers in offices for creating reports and facilitating adjustments to the operations. Clients included pulp mills, steel plants, oil refineries (here and abroad), and the Meijer warehouses and distribution plants. In the meantime, Keith had married Denise Lynn Sartor in Toledo, on August 27, 1976. One of his later goals was to make it until their 50th Wedding Anniversary next year. He put in a great effort. They were blessed with three sons. Keith’s love of trains was reignited with the birth of his son, Nicholas. He began collecting model trains and setting up layouts at home followed by becoming involved with the Swanton Model Railroad Club, who set up model train displays at local venues for holiday events. Later, Keith moved to standard gauge trains, joining and volunteering at the Toledo, Lake Erie and Western RR, which ran the Bluebird Train. He trained and operated as an engineer and conductor. Keith acquired a couple of train cars from the railroad and rebuilt/refurbished them: The #15 steam engine (technically the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal Railroad H.K. Porter built 0-6-0T No. 15) and a Pullman sleeper car titled “Erie Railroad 6 - American Life.” After Keith restored #15, The Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania purchased it and converted it to “Thomas the Tank Engine”. It is the only full-size steam locomotive to be Thomas the Tank Engine in the USA. The Pullman car was donated to The Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum in Bellevue, Ohio in 1997. In good health Keith was hands-on with remodeling and building projects, and enjoyed traveling with family, especially by train. The cottage on Washington Lake in the Irish Hills of Michigan was a typical weekend hangout and where he insisted upon pushing his limits, continuing to water-ski into his 50s. As his health diminished, he enjoyed being a mentor, tinkering with his Grandchildren, singing karaoke and playing euchre. Keith was a Green Bay Packers fan and liked to boast that he was a shareholder after being gifted a share from his brother, Craig. Having attained a ham radio license in high school, Keith rekindled this interest in retirement. He continued testing until receiving the highest level of ham radio license available. Keith’s final act was donating his brain to research for Parkinson’s Disease. Keith was predeceased by his parents; brother, Craig Brigode; sister, Darcy Brigode; grandparents and parents-in-laws. He is survived by his wife, Denise; brothers, David and Bruce (Barb) Brigode; sister, Karen Brigode; sons, Nicholas (Jessica Rill) Brigode, William (Colleen Kauth) Brigode, and Charles (Samantha) Brigode; and Grandchildren, Isabella, Elizabeth, Walter, Alaina and Hayden Brigode; his Aunt Pat Nesbit; and many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation of Northwest Ohio, the Toledo, Lake Erie and Western Railroad or to the Brigode Family Science Scholarship at St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy. The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff who took care of Keith along the way, particularly those at ProMedica facilities, Hospice of NW Ohio, Rosary Care Center and Kingston Residence of Perrysburg. Last but not least, a huge thank you to the prayer warriors who provided support during Keith’s long journey. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later time.

Keith M. Brigode

June 23, 1953 - January 18, 2025