Royal Oak Store Owner Delivers Emotional Thank You to Beaumont

With a catch in his throat, Keith Howarth on Monday thanked Royal Oak Beaumont for saving his life.

It’s hard to imagine the soft-spoken man at podium was taken to Beaumont just seven weeks ago to undergo emergency brain surgery to remove a tumor.

"I would like to thank my neurosurgeon, Dr. Holly Gilmer for her expertise," Howarth said. "Also, I’d like to acknowledge Dr. Richard Zuckman who has shown great compassion and support throughout this journey. All the nurses at Beaumont and the team of physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists were wonderful."

Howarth is the owner of Noir Leather, a store that specializes in leather lingerie and latex fetish wear. He has been doing business in downtown Royal Oak now for 29 years, opening his first store at 117 W. Third, now the site of Hour Detroit offices. 

A long time member of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, Howarth and wife,  at the Best of Royal Oak Awards in October.

Howarth thanked Fegley for her love, support and dedication during his recovery.

"I may not be here if it wasn’t for you," he said.

Howarth also publicly thanked Lisa LaFord, the manager at Noir for more than 20 years, for running the Fourth Street store during this difficult time. 

"I’m glad to be making a comeback, I’m thankful to be walking around downtown Royal Oak and I’m so proud to be a part of the great community that makes up our city," he said.

"It's good to see you back up and around again," said Mayor Jim Ellison. "We were all pretty concerned about you for a while. It's good to see you."

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