Former Gun Lake Community Church pastor Keith Dragt died March 27 after many years of bravely living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Keith was born in Grant, Mich. on Nov. 22, 1951 to Henry Dragt, Sr. (1906-1981) and Anna Landheer Dragt (1908-1994). The youngest of eight boys he was already known as “Uncle Keith” at birth.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Calvin College where he studied political science. Keith drove the campaign bus during Gerald Ford’s final bid for the U. S. House of Representatives.
Keith enjoyed a close relationship with his brother Rev. Gordon R. Dragt, who served for 20 transformative years as senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City. Keith earned his master of divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary in 1984.
In his 35 years of ministry with the Reformed Church of America, Keith was passionate about starting new churches and encouraging members of a diverse congregation to develop a relationship with God. He was a gifted preacher and touched many with his empathy and sense of humor.
His final call to serve as pastor of the Reformed Church was in Bronxville, N.Y.
Keith was also a life-long collector of antiques and art. After many years as a commercial farmer, his father, Henry, began to collect treasures, tucking them away in his Trade-Arama warehouse.He trained as an auctioneer. Enjoying a spiritual connection to Northern Michigan, the Southwest, and the mountains of North Carolina, Keith was especially drawn to Outsider and Native American art.
He is survived by his brothers Gordon and Wayne; sisters-in-law Gayle and Elaine; his wife of 17 years, Laura; his children Dirk (Susan), Andy (Gina), and Jennie (Erik); his stepdaughter Daisy (Carl); and grandchildren Haeli, Maya, Aiden, Josie, Abby and Calla.
A celebration of his life was held Friday, April 24, at Peachtree Hills Place in Atlanta. Gifts in his memory may be directed to the Atlanta Food Bank and the ASPCA.
