Keith Edmund Said,

Age 81 of Big Flats, New York. Passed away in the home he built, Monday evening surrounded by the unequaled love and care of his devoted wife and friend of 34 years Barbara. Keith is the son of the late William Howard Sr. and Grace Isabel Kelse Said. He was born in Corning, New York, November 26, 1925.Keith was a dedicated United States NAVY veteran of World War II. During his stint in the service he was trained as a pilot which became a great passion for him. On his return from the service his love of flying continued. He eventually was able to afford his own plane and also became very involved in gliders and Harris Hill. Keith was at home in any role at Harris Hill, from flying the tow planes, providing training to prospective pilots, to just giving his daughter Keitha a thrill on a thermal cline. It was a passion that did not quit. Keith was also very proud of his accomplishment at Corning Inc. Employed by Corning as a Mechanical Engineer he was devoted and innovative in every task they gave him. In his younger years traveling the world for Corning Inc. was part of his job he loved. It gave him a new respect for the life we all live as Americans. He was very proud to work for Corning Inc., knowing they gave him great respect for his ideas many of which are still used in todays products. He loved the good times and great friends he made at the VFW #524 of Corning, NY and the Big Flats American Legion Post # 1612 where he was a member and past commander. Keith is survived by his loving and caring wife Barbara Kitchen Said of Big Flats, NY; Sons: Keith Said and Robert Chan of Manhattan, NY and San Francisco, CA; Daughters and sons in law: Karyn and Seth Sochacki of Union Beach, NJ, Keitha and Robert Olthof of Pine City, NY; grandchildren: John Keith, Cristofer Sochacki, and Lucianne Olthof; Brothers and sisters in law: Howard and Joyce Said of Corning, NY; Donald and Cynthia Said of Florida;Several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.Keith is predeceased by his grandson Robert Keith Olthof, Brother Robert Said, parents William Howard and Grace Isabel Said.Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY Friday, October 26th, 2007 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of the calling hours at 1:00PM. The Reverend John McConnell will officiate. Graveside committal prayers will follow in the Rural Home Cemetery, Big Flats, NY with full military honors accorded to honor his sacrifice. Please make memorials to the Southern Tier Hospice & Palliative Care, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830