Keith Klarin

March 31, 1937 – November 11, 2020

Keith ("Spike") is survived by his wife of sixty-three years Patricia ("Pat"), and his children, Mindy and Ronald, and Ronald's wife Bonnie, and sister Sondra K Stamen.  "Spike" as he was known to his family and friends was a loving husband, father and friend, as well as a mentor to numerous business associates.

Keith was born and grew up in Red Bank, NJ.  He graduated from the Peddie School and attended the University of Virginia.  After marrying Pat, Keith worked for his father Max Klarin as well as several other businesses.  In 1968 Keith started A – Z Tool Rentals in Shrewsbury, NJ and over time grew the business to encompass party and costume rentals, and school fundraising (FUN Services) with several locations in Monmouth County, NJ.

Keith was active in several business organizations, most notably the American Rental Association where he served as President in 1987 and Chairman of the Board in 1988.  In addition, he was on the ARA board of directors from 1980 – 1988 and again in 2000 – 2001. Keith was a member of the ARA Party Council from 1976-1980 and then chair from 1980-1984, conducted Parties-R-Us traveling party workshop series from 1982-1984, and was a member of the Executive Search Committee in 2000.  Keith also served in the Red Bank chapter of the Jaycees and was President of United Cerebral Palsy.

Keith received numerous awards and accolades for his service to the industry and his community.  He received the ARA Distinguished Service Award in 1983, was named Region Two Person of the Year in 1986 and was honored with the President's Image Building Award in 1987. In 2002, he was inducted into the Rental Hall of Fame — the most prestigious honor offered by the ARA to those who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to the industry.

Keith had several passions.  First and foremost was his wife Pat, he also enjoyed writing a monthly column (Party Perfect) for the ARA's Rental Age periodical.  Keith and his wife have traveled to over 120 different countries during their lifetime.  He was an avid boater and enjoyed fishing.

Please join the zoom meeting link below at 10:00 am EST on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84107661655?pwd=eGVZd0tyNFJQUXVYd1NrUG1QL0hXQT09

Meeting ID: 841 0766 1655
Passcode: 722627Keit
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