His journey has ended and a new one has begun.  With his wife by his side, Keith Eric Burgess, 79, passed away at his home on September 30th, 2023.

Keith was born on July 10, 1944, in Tioga, NY.  He was the eldest son of Paul and Marjorie Burgess. As a young boy he was referred to as one of the "East Towanda Gang" (and to this day no one knows who was responsible for throwing the lighted papers down the outhouse hole that caused the fire company to pay a visit!) He spent most of his summers fishing and hunting at his grandparents Billy and Flora Burgess' home in Sheshequin and continued to do so throughout his life.  He was an avid reader, loved his lawn and garden, and most of all he loved being retired.

Keith graduated from Towanda High School in 1962.  He started his working career by working on farms in the summer.  His first job was at the A & P Supermarket as a bag boy, helping customers carry their groceries out.  He later became a meat cutter working in both Towanda and Ithaca.  In 1962 he became a manager of the A & W root beer stand in Wysox.  He built his home by the river in Sheshequin and established and ran the Squaw Head Canoe rental for several years.  He started working at Masonite/Craftmaster on February 19th,1968 and retired on April 30th, 2012, with 44 years of dedicated service.

Keith was a PIAA swimming official and a member of the Winding River Players for many years.  He was also a member of the Rev –Up Towanda Committee, helping with setup and working the booths. Keith competed in several four-man triathlons and white-water kayaking competitions.

Keith and Judy traveled to many places on their bucket list, including Alaska, Hawaii, Ireland, and numerous states.  He enjoyed wilderness trips to Canada with his close friends Warren and Terry Knapp. He loved going to the lake with his good friends Liz and John.  Keith and Judy were planning a trip there in October. He often remarked, "This is the life!"

After living on the hill for 43 years, Keith and Judy fully renovated a home on Kingsbury Avenue in Towanda for something to do in retirement. He enjoyed finally having a flat yard to mow, which he did often.

A man with many talents, he could build almost anything. He always said he learned his woodworking talent from his neighbor in East Towanda, Casey Allis.   His garden was so well cared for that no weed stood a chance!  He was a master at rock laying and built numerous ponds and waterfalls throughout the area.

Keith was a staple at Peppers Auction House.  You could always find him in the middle aisle looking for that special chair to sit in. He had many special friends there and always enjoyed himself.  He also spent many happy hours at the Sayre Farmers Market.  You could find Keith and Judy there on Fridays selling their wares.  He enjoyed talking with all the customers and the many friends he made there.

In his spare time Keith worked with Mike and Renee of Shores Sisters.  He helped them with many projects throughout the years.  He was very proud of the rock waterfall and turtle pond that he made for both of the stores.  You could often find him at the store in the summer working on whatever needed to be done or selling Christmas trees in the winter. He enjoyed talking with the workers and the customers and was always quick to share a smile and a story.

Keith is survived by his wife Judy, who he shared his life with for 49 years, their daughter Shaylee Smith, that he was so proud of, his son-in-law Brian Smith, and his beloved granddaughter Elora Smith, as well as his two daughters, Kimberly and Nicole from his first marriage.  He leaves behind his brother Donald (Miriam) Burgess, his aunts Elaine Engisch and Doris Lewis, his sister-in-law Robin Burgess, many nieces, nephews, cousins, his cat Feefur, and his pride and joy, his Honda Ridgeline Truck.

He also leaves behind his neighbors on Kingsbury Avenue and William Street, "Better people you will never find" he always said.  Theresa, Bonnie, Joel and Bonnie, Penny and the Geigers were so dear to him.  He loved where he lived.

Family that passed on before him were his son from his first marriage, Chad Robert Burgess, who died in 1968, mother Marjorie Chubb Burgess, father Paul Burgess, brothers Steve and Bryce Burgess, a niece Renee, sister Carrie (Sissy) Borgia, grandparents William and Flora Burgess, and uncles Richard Engisch and Raymond Lewis.

Keith was happiest when he was helping people.  He was always the first one to offer a hand to those in need.  He will be missed by all that had the privilege to know him.

There will be no calling hours and the burial will be private.  Pepper's Funeral Home of Canton will be assisting the family with arrangements. A gathering to celebrate Keith's life will be held at Shores Sisters at a later date.

If you wish to donate a remembrance in honor of Keith, his favorite charities are Hands Across Northeast, in care of Mamie Burgert, 526 Panther Lane Rome, PA 18837, Kali's Mission for the spaying and neutering of cats, in care of Charlotte and Gary Parks, 306 William Street, Towanda , or the Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road in Towanda.