Keith McGOUGH

Keith McGOUGH ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Direct Cremation Services of Virginia - Chantilly on Mar. 10, 2026.In Loving MemoryKeith McGough of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 72.He was born on November 10, 1953, to Walter and Jenny McGough of Bethesda, MD.He is survived by his wife, Vicki McGough; his children, Kiera McGough, Karla McGough, Katya McGough (Cody Rigney) and Kayse McGough (John Morton); his brother, Paul McGough, and his sister, Joy Holderness (Brian Holderness). He was preceded in death by his parents.After graduating from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Keith went on to complete his master's degree in engineering at the University of Virginia. He spent over 40 years working as a systems engineer. Keith had a lifelong passion for learning and continued to audit courses in all subjects through various outlets until his death.As a systems engineer, Keith spent his career integrating the many moving parts of complex systems so they could work together seamlessly. Though he contributed to many notable projects for defense agencies and the broader intelligence community, his greatest project was raising his four daughters alongside his wife, Vicki.In October of 1980, Keith married Vicki Merrion, beginning a bond that would span 45 years. Together they built a partnership centered around caring for one another and always having each other's back.With Vicki's support, Keith spent tireless hours coaching his daughters in swimming, tutoring them in math, and instilling in them a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. He made sure each of his children- and his wife- had the opportunity to achieve a bachelor's degree, passing on his love of learning and problem solving.Keith took every opportunity available to him to spend time by the beach. Even when he wasn't in Florida, he was a lover of Hawaiian shirts, swimming year round, and listening to Rock, Motown, and Oldies hits - especially the Rolling Stones - at top volume.A celebration of life will be hosted by the McGough family in early summer of 2026.Memorials may be made to Online condolences can be made at www.directcremationservicesofvirginia.com.Funeral arrangements were trusted to Direct Cremation Services of Virginia - Chantilly, 4425 Brookfield Corp. Dr. Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20151, (703) 584-4927.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.