Keith "Skip" Hand

Keith 'Skip' Hand, Jr. 72, of Sister Lakes, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 30, 2024, holding his wife's hand and his beloved dogs Sam, Jack, and JoJo at his side. He lost his 14-year fierce battle with lung disease. He was born on March 5,1951 to Keith Hand, Sr. and Dorthy (Geisler) Hand in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Skip graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1971. He then attended Southwestern Michigan College. He worked as a delivery driver for several years.He started his career 'wrenching' on cars, mowers, motorcycles, and boats. He had a need for speed. Skip had a Donzi Classic boat that he took his friends out on Magician Lake and scared the crap out of them. His other love was Harley Davidson motorcycles. As his disease progressed, he bought a HD Trike and figured out how to carry his oxygen so he could continue to ride. He and his wife took many road trips over the years. Skip volunteered for Great Lakes Golden Retriever Rescue fostering and transporting Goldens. Dogs were his soft spot.
Skip married his best friend, Valerie (Foster) Hand in 2003, who survives and was the love of his life.Skip is survived by his son, Stephen 'Reno' (Jamie) Pinkowski, Stephen's sisters, Celeste (Jeff) Oppold and Stephanie (Josh) Ickes and his beloved grandson, Beckett Pinkowski. He is also survived by his cousins Tom (Carlene) Hand, who was like a brother, Nancy Hand Melchor, Patricia Hand Door, Linda Burson and Jack Pavlick.Several years ago, Skip found a half-brother through DNA, Anthony Lee (Irene) Shaver. There was an instant strong bond and it changed both of their lives. He is survived by his niece Debbie Piggott and nephews Micheal Kettlelhut, Anthony (Stacy) Shaver, Jr, Matthew Shaver, Scotty Bradford and Tim (Michelle) Bradford.Great niece, Christi (Matt) Kimball and Madison Bradford, great nephews, Brent Kettelhut and Eric (Jennifer) Piggott. Survived by his sister-in-law Charlotte Harrison and brother-in-law Arnie Jackson.
Preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon Jackson, and brother-in-law Dean Harrison.
There are so many people to thank for all the help with care, support, errands, advice & general emotional support. Your love and selflessness was/is greatly appreciated.
There will be a celebration of Skip's life on Saturday July 13, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at his home. Please email valskip80@gmail.com for address/directions. Please mark your calendars. We will send out reminders closer to the event.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Great Lakes Golden Retriever Rescue at their website:
https://greatlakesgoldens.org/donate Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.