Remembering Keith W. Brown

Keith W. Brown, 75, of Locke, NY passed away Saturday April 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY after a brief illness. Keith was born February 9, 1949, in Cortland, NY he was the son of the late Glenn T. and M. Willodean Brown.

He was in farming and construction for much of his life including being an Operating Engineer on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. His lifelong passion for agriculture led to the foundation of Mid Lakes Antique Power of the Past and Finger Lakes Old Time Farmers tractor clubs, where he spent his years driving the preservation of historical farming methods and equipment across the area. He plowed, mowed, planted, cultivated and harvested fields all across the Finger Lakes, bringing life not only through the soil but through those he met. No matter how far he traveled there was always someone who knew Keith Brown. He spent countless hours having conversations through the truck window, discussing the planting conditions with farmers at the local diner and giving tractor advice to anyone who needed it. You could see him out in the field driving the 1957 Ford 860 his father had purchased new when he was a boy. He and that tractor spent many a day working tirelessly for the benefit of others, both those he knew and those who were strangers to him. He dedicated his life to his family and friends and always put their needs above his own.

Keith is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Sandra (Snover) Brown; son Kevin Brown of Otisco; daughter Ginger Miner of Theresa, daughter Katie Forst of Baldwinsville and daughter Shannon Brown of Locke, brother Melvin (Catherine) Brown of Cortland. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dylan Brown, Jared Brown, Laiken Brown, Garrett Miner and Marcus Haider. As well as several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers DeWitt and Roger Brown, sisters Ilean Hampton and Leona Cummings.

There will be a celebration of life held Saturday, May 4th at the Sempronius Fire Department 2284 State RTE 41A, Moravia, NY 13118 from 1pm to 5pm.

Condolences may be sent to 1039 Main Rd. Locke, NY 13092.