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KEITH, Robert (Bob) John

March 2, 1928 - March 15, 2016


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 26th 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.


Online condolences to the family may be made at: www.wiebeandjeskefh.com



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