Keith Hough, 64, dies

from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Keith Emery Hough, 64, of Allegan, Mich., died peacefully with his family by his side at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids on Oct. 9, 2018.

The son of Clarence (Bud) and Barbara (Bartz) Hough, he graduated from Allegan High School in 1973.

While still in high school he began his 50-plus year career training and racing Standardbreds. He had many state champions and was known for his knack with trotters. A few of the more notable horses were Raceway Willie who won the 1985 Dygert Memorial at Hawthorne Racecourse. He was known for helping Mr. Hough purchase his 100 acre farm. He also trained/raced many quality horses that included Admiral’s Express, Aeropostale, Incredible Child, Mc Guffin, Emery Ho and Kendall Marie, who was also his first sire stake champion. He was also known for helping and teaching many younger horse people starting their careers and becoming successful at their trade.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting waterfowl to small game, deer and fishing on his farm in Allegan. He also loved being outdoors playing golf with friends and just a good old fashioned barbeque on his custom built cookers or smokers. He loved projects such as welding and building or designing new things to help out around his farm or house. He also loved watching football and was an avid Los Angeles Rams fan since he was a kid.

Mr. Hough was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Barbara. He is survived by his sisters, Norma Miller and Sandra Westin; his wife of 22 years, Claudia; stepson, Steve Bowerman; step-grandchildren, Gregory Bowerman and Rickie Bowerman; sons, Brian, Kevin (Ember) and Kelly (Katie); and grandchildren, Kylee, Kendall and Keegan.

He will be cremated. There will be a memorial and celebration of life at Keith and Claudia’s farm at a future date that will be announced.

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