In Memoriam: Richard Keats, Kaywood Industries

Richard Keats, founding father of Kaywood Industries, died on April 7 on the age of 97, forsaking a legacy of toy innovation.

Keats was a U.S. Navy Veteran in addition to a graduate of Brown College. Following his diploma, Keats joined his father’s firm — Buddy L Toys — in 1948. After his father’s retirement in 1976, Keats took over and ran the corporate till it was bought to SLM in 1990. 

This wasn’t the tip of Keats’ toy trade profession. With expertise from his time at Buddy L, he based Kaywood Industries and continued to design and invent new toys. The corporate went on to license merchandise to trade leaders together with Fisher-Worth, Mattel, Hasbro, and Spin Master. 

Merchandise that noticed success with Kaywood Industries embrace Brush Your Tooth Barney, Playtime Big Bird, Flatsy, MakeUp Mindy, and extra. Keats attended Toy Fair and the Dallas Fall Toy Preview commerce exhibits yearly till 2019, demonstrating his deep funding on the earth of toys. 

The toy trade has misplaced a proficient and passionate inventor and designer. Keats handed away peacefully, and celebrated his 97th birthday on April 1. 

Keats is survived by his daughters Maggie and Trish. The household encourages donations to be made to the American Parkinson’s Illness Affiliation.

The staff at The Toy Ebook sends its condolences to Keats’ household.