Keith Emmett Waite

Keith Emmett Waite Sr, 84, of Rochester passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, surrounded by his Wife of 66 years Sonya Waite, and several of his children and grandchildren. Keith was born on January 25, 1934, in Brattleboro, Vt to Mabel Josephine (Young) Waite and Millard Dexter Waite. Keith is survived by two siblings, Millard D. Waite Jr. and Marilyn (Waite) Grassi. He was predeceased by his brother Neil Waite and sister Audrey Jean (Waite) Johnson. Keith attended Brattleboro Union High School. Keith met his lifetime partner and friend, Sonya at youth group in West Brattleboro. They were married on August 30th, 1952 at the Parsonage of their Church in Brattleboro, Vt. Keith had five children with his wife Sonya, all of whom survive. Kathleen Waite of Bellows Falls, Vt, Patricia Morrill of Guilford, Vt, Brian Waite of Greenland, NH, Robin Rowe of Barrington, NH, and Keith Waite Jr. of Newmarket, NH. Keith is survived by eight grandchildren and was predeceased by one grandchild Thomas Muir of Staten Island, NY. Keith is also survived by eleven great grandchildren.Keith's children knew him as an intelligent man who was successful as a member of the Vermont National Guard, and employed by Jim Alan Construction, Bechtel Construction, and as a survey engineer for Morrison Knudsen (MK). At MK Keith was involved with several large projects including the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, Vt, Seabrook Nuclear Power Station in Seabrook, NH, Millstone Nuclear Power Station in New London, Ct, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Norfolk, Va. After a childhood disease returned while working underneath the ocean floor in harsh conditions, Keith was forced to retire from construction and find a new calling.While his grandchildren were still just babies, Keith and Sonya moved to Charleston, Me where Keith attended Faith School of Theology (now Faith Bible College International) for three years earning his Certificate of Ministry. He and Sonya went on to Pastor at several New England Churches, the Rochester, NH Assembly of God, and the Full Gospel Center in Southbridge, Ma. During his life Keith enjoyed many different passions such as hunting, fishing, gardening and reading. Keith was a passionate woodworker who was always working on a project or two. Keith loved building birdhouses and shared a love of birds with his wife Sonya. Keith was most proud of the furniture and dollhouses he built for his children and grandchildren. However, no craft was as important to him as playing his guitar and singing. When Keith became a Christian in the late 70's, his love for music took on a whole new meaning as he began using his talents to share what Jesus had done in his life. Keith was known to just show up at area churches in NH, Me, Ma, and Vt with guitar in hand. Keith often shared a few original songs as well. After well over twenty years of ministry Keith began having difficulty playing guitar following a stroke. Then for over fifteen years Keith courageously battled several strokes, and several different types of cancers. During his ailments Keith never lost his faith, his smile, or his nutty sense of humor. His love for his wife Sonya, his children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren never diminished. Keith was bold in his love for Jesus and never shyed away from sharing his faith or lending an ear to those around him who may be hurting.On 8/30/18 Keith and Sonya celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary together at home surrounded by several of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. On the day before he passed, Keith joined his Wife outside their home to enjoy the sunshine and the delightful view of his beloved Rose of Sharon tree which had blossomed in his front yard.His presence will surely be missed by all who loved him. A celebration of life will be held on September 29th, at 2pm at the Harvest of Praise Church of God in Rochester, NH and officiated by his Pastor and longtime friend Laren Whaley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Lighthouse Christian Academy, 17 Heaton St, Rochester, NH 03867.