I am sorry to announce that on April 20th, my husband Keith passed into eternity. He died peacefully at home, as he wished. He has left our children, Alec Murphy (Jenn) in Halifax, Rob Burgess in Quebec, Vanessa Burgess (Shawn Daigle) in Labrador, and Lori Underhay (Dennis) in Edmonton. He has also left our grandchildren Kandace (Eric Irakoze), Gaetan, Kaegan, Logan, Jesika, Liam, and Kariss, and great-grandchildren Aleia Jesseau and his little buddy Aurora Irakoze as well as his brother Gary (Janet), sisters Gwen (Wayne Hiscock) and Cairine (Wayne Thistle) and his brother-in-law David Skinner (Susan) and sisters-in-law Deborah March, Megan Skinner, and Bobbi Zahra. In addition, he had a number of cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved.

Keith was born in Carbonear, where he grew up. For a number of years, he worked in construction, which required him to be away from home for weeks and sometimes months at a time. Eventually, he ended up in Wabush, where he worked as an electrician at Wabush Mines.

He married Katherine in 1983, and they continued to live in Wabush with their blended family until they moved to Quebec, where Katherine was called to be the minister at St. Andrew’s. Several years ago, they moved to Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, where Keith soon became a member of the community, until his illness prevented him from going out as much as he would have liked.

People who knew Keith will remember him as an avid Lego enthusiast, and even now, there are boxes of Lego kits in our basement. He also enjoyed playing pool, and was never happier then he had a cue in his hand, exchanging banter with his fellow sharks. Eating out was one of the things he loved to do, and until recently, he enjoyed spicy food – the spicier the better!

Keith was an active member of AA, and was looking forward to his 41st “birthday”. He was grateful for the family he found there, and was always ready to help others on their journey.

We are grateful to the Palliative Care team at the Jeffrey Hale Community Services for their help during these months, especially Keith’s nurse, Louise Fortin, who went above and beyond in her care for Keith. We are also grateful for Dre. Maryse Brassard, Keith’s endocrinologist, and Dre. Dominique Vandal, who cared for Keith in his final weeks. As well, we would like to thank Albatross for companioning with Keith.

Thank you to the Sessions and congregations of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Quebec City, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, and la Communaute Chretienne Bethanie in Quebec City for their support.
Thank you to the many friends and neighbours who reached out to us during Keith’s illness and since his death. You are appreciated more than you will ever know.

As Keith wanted, cremation has already taken place, and a celebration of his life will be held in Quebec City in August. The exact date will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Heart and Stroke and Foundation, or to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Quebec City.



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