Robert Keith
March 2, 1928 - March 15, 2016
Tribute
It is with great sadness that his family announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Keith on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, with his loving family by his side.
Bob was born in Chilliwack on 2 March, 1928 to John (Jack) and Muriel Keith and is survived by Lorna, his wife of nearly 64 years, and daughters Kathleen (Ken) Habijanac, Laurie (David) George, son Ian, grandchildren Keryl Billen (Cory), Dianne and Bryan George and Julie Habijanac, brother Gordon (Helen), sister Margaret Ward (Joe), and numerous nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Chilliwack High school and then Ontario Agricultural College.
He returned to B.C. and was Assistant Herdsman at Tranquille Farms and it was here that he met his wife-to-be; they married and lived in Chilliwack, Bob running the family dairy farm before returning to another family tradition, the feed business. Working for B&K, he was transferred to manage the store in Courtenay, then back to the Fraser Valley to Abbotsford where the family settled. He finished his working career with the Farm Credit Corporation.
Bob lived a good and full life. He joined the Masonic Order in 1959 and the Order of the Mystic Shrine in 1982, and was a proud and faithful member of these Orders for the remainder of his life. He lived according to these Orders’ values, to be principled, civil and humble but kept the Scottish Irish humour and the love of music from the home of his upbringing in his own home.
He related to the quintessential Canadian pastimes too, with fast ball in which he played in the local men’s league through his 30’s and curling which he played through his 70’s. His passion in his retirement was gardening, especially tending to his beautiful rose garden.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Memorial United Church, 33737 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, with a reception following at the church.
Heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Bob during his long battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to Trinity Memorial United Church Memorial Fund.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Pat Nielsen
Relation: Acquaintance
Lorna and family:thinking of you as you grieve the loss of Bob. I found Bob to be pleasant and personable at all times. A very like able man. He will certainly be missed by all the family.
From: Ron Morwick
Relation: Family friend
Dear Keith Family;
I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. I want to send my heart felt condolences to you and your family during such a hard time. We always will remember his smile and his wonderful sense of humor. I am glad I had the opportunity to know him and I will always cherish those moments. I know that our world was a better place because of him.
I will pray for comfort and support for you and your family during this time and if there is anything we can do, please ask.
God Bless
Ron Morwick
From: Janet and Ellsa
Relation: Uncle
As fellow cider drinkers we raise a glass.
To Uncle Bob, a true gentle man (and a gardener).
Peace be with you, and all those who love you.
From: Linda Zommers
Relation: Friend & singing member of Lorna's
I will always remember Bob out in the garden and proudly showing it all to me a few times when I visited. He was always behind Lorna in everything she did, so Lorna watch your back, you may get nudged at times. Best Wishes to Lorna & family. With Love, Linda.
From: Cheryl Gardiner
Relation: Friend
My thoughts are with you and your family as you adjust to this change in your lives. Will always have ‘pleasant thoughts of Bob, his love of classical music and his garden, to name a few’
Cheryl
From: Clare Tinsley
Relation: Friend
Dear Lorna and family, my sincere sympathy to you, Lorna and the family with the passing of your beloved Bob. He was a friendly, pleasant gentleman, who will surely be missed by you all. May God give you comfort and strength for the days and weeks ahead. With love and prayers, Clare Tinsley
From: Yvonne Derksen
Relation: family friend
In deepest sympathy, my thoughts are with you today.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
March 26, 2016
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Trinity Memorial United Church
33737 George Ferguson Way
Abbotsford, BC Canada
33737 George Ferguson Way
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
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