Celebrating the Retirement of Keith Rowden

After nearly 25 years of dedication, Keith Rowden is closing the chapter on a long, steady career that began back in June of 2005. Over the years, Keith has worn more hats than he’ll admit—starting as a stores accountant, later taking on the added responsibilities of safety coordinator, and eventually managing the warehouse… or, as he said he did, “whatever, everything.”

Despite Keith’s modesty (and his insistence that he has "no accomplishments” and “no stories”), his time here has been held by commitment to keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. If you ask him what he’s proud of, he’ll tell you “nothing” but if you ask the people who’ve worked alongside him, they’d tell you that Keith’s meer presence made a bigger impact than he’ll ever admit.

One thing Keith will acknowledge is the growth he’s witnessed. When he started, the workforce was around 25 people. Today it’s closer to 65 or 70, and he’s watched the company expand, strengthen, and place a much larger focus on safety, something he’s proud to have been part of.

Trying to pin Keith down on favorite memories is like trying to ask him for a funny story—he’ll politely (or not so politely) decline. But he does admit he’ll miss “being around all my friends,” especially those in the front office who insisted he name them as his “most influential coworkers.” He also graciously allows us to choose whoever we want.

When asked about the key to a long, successful career, Keith keeps it simple: work hard, be on time, and have a wife like Patty. I am sure she agrees.

Outside of work, Keith has built a full life. He and his wife Patty have been married for 48 years, raising two children and enjoying five grandchildren along the way. As he steps into retirement, Keith is looking forward to what he truly loves: spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, and devoting more time to his taxidermy hobby, something that brings him pride even if he won’t admit it out loud.

While he may not have had a long list of final words to share, Keith’s legacy here doesn’t need grand speeches. It shows in the years he gave, the reliability he brought, and the quiet way he helped shape the workplace into what it is today.

Please join us in celebrating Keith Rowden. 

Happy Retirement, Keith. The Coop won’t be the same without you.