February 22, 1929 – January 7, 2024
Our loving husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa Keith hiked down his last path in the woods on January 7, 2024 with family singing him on his way. He was always held close by his wife of 73 years Wilma, son Ken, daughter Jill (Harv), son Bryce (Karen) and daughter Laureen (Randy) along with 9 grandchildren and 15 great grands, godson and many more nephews, nieces and cousins.
As Keith was an only child, he loved and was loved by all members of his extended family on his side and on Wilma’s side of their family trees. He had close connections and love for all relatives that have departed this earth. Keith is predeceased by infant son Blake, parents Lil and Earls Coffin, Wilma’s parents Jim and Isobel.
Born in 1929 in Saskatoon Sask, he grew up on a farm and attended school in Colonsay. Upon graduating, his 40 year employment with the Toronto Dominion Bank moved him from Rosetown, Gravelbourg, Neilburg, Saskatoon, to Winnipeg where he retired in 1987. He then did consulting work for Credit Union Central traveling throughout Manitoba and to Ghana, Africa for a joint venture with Canadian International Development Agency.
Keith realized the importance of giving back to the community, he served on the Saskatoon board of CNIB, was a charter member of the Rosetown Kinsmen club, and a member of the Saskatoon and Winnipeg Rotary clubs. Other volunteering included St. Vital and Gravelbourg United Church boards, boy scouts, Southwood Green condo corp. and the Victoria General Hospital guild where along with Wilma they were honoured for 60 yrs. of combined service.
He and Wilma’s love of travel took them to many destinations including Mexico, Hawaii, Japan, China, Fiji,, Cook Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, London, Italy, Portugal, across Canada and the USA, and wintering in Mesa Arizona for many years
Because of Keith’s love of the outdoors you could often find him: in the trees with family and friends while in berry patches, on hiking trails, on mountain paths, in picnic spots, splashing or canoeing in lake waters and pitching the tent in campgrounds. He relished these special times with family and friends immensely. Keith had an appreciation for the creatures of this earth as well. You would always find him with dog treats in his pockets, bags of grain for the geese and bird seed for the feeders.
Some of his favourite pastimes were picking berries, making grog at Christmas, preparing marinades for choice cuts of meat, dancing with Wilma, playing shuffleboard and curling. Keith’s hobby of gardening and sharing his harvest gave him great joy. He enthusiastically shared gardening tips with kids and grandkids so many could follow in his footsteps of growing healthy food. He enjoyed his gardening friends and the friendly competitions at the St. Vital Horticultural Fairs over many years. His love of garlic was evident in the 100 bulbs that he would plant and share and did you know that a measuring tape was considered a necessary item when one grew prize winning zucchinis? His floral and nature arrangements also garnered ribbons at the fair.
Uppermost was his love of family and friends, always engaged and keenly interested in their lives offering sage advice, support and encouragement along their journeys.
We deeply appreciated the care and concern he received from staff and residents of Dakota House the homecare team and all the staff at cancer care and Riverview hospital for all their hard work and wonderful care.
In keeping with Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and for those who wish to remember Keith please consider making a donation to the Victoria or Riverview hospital foundations, Cancer care or a charity of their choice.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Keith’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
Many many fond memories of Uncle Keith!
Thanks for your kind words. Keith had a good life and he left us peacefully. He was kept comfortable at Riverview Health Center. He waited for Laureen to come from REgina on Sunday morning . I think he was waiting for her .She had 3 hours with him and we were all able to be with him when he slept away. I am blessed to have family close . Just have to get used to living alone after 73 years. Hugs to you both .Wilma
I loved working with Keith in the Victoria Hospital . He gave me lots of valuable advice on the financial workings of the Gift Shop .
He always kind and generous. I’ll always remember Papa Keith with love in my heart.
What a beautiful human being!! And the apples don’t fall far from the tree!! Wishing him well on his journey home. And much love to those who will miss him. He has left a legacy of love. What more could one ask? 🩷🙏🌈
Dear Wilma and family,
So sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. I think of all the wonderful times we spent together in Arizona. May all the good memories see you through these very difficult times.
With love from Darlene Collins.
Keith was just a lovely human being who gave so many years of fun and friendship to the Anderson family.
Dear Wilma and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Wilma & Keith were good friends and neighbours growing up in St Vital. I know my mom & dad (Ruth & Ike) valued their friendship and the time they spent together. Thinking of you all.
Another special “gentleman” has passed from our midst….a wonderful Vic volunteer.
Thinking of you Wilma and family.
Love,
Norma Wilson
He was such a treasured friend along with Wilma for so many years and so supportive of the Anderson family. What a legacy he has left for all of us.
I was one of the fortunate people from The Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corp who travelled with Keith throughout Manitoba on inspections. I recognized what a quiet, calm yet assertive gentleman that he was. My wife and I shared some time with him and Wilma at social events and admired their love for one another and strived to have a similar relationship. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and he will be missed.
I have a lot of great memories of Keith as my second Dad living across the street from us in Saskatoon. My deepest condolences.
Dear Ken, I’m so sorry for the loss of your father, Keith. His write-up reflects what a wonder person he was….. such a ‘gift’ to have such a man as your father !
May all the fond memories of times shared together bring comfort & support to you & all your family in the days ahead.
In Sympathy, Carol Kennedy & Family
Ken and family,
It was saddened to hear of the loss of such a great man, but grateful at the same time for his longevity. Although it has been several years now since I’d seen him, I will never forget the kindness and generosity he showed all of us “kids” who frequently hung out in his basement.
God Bless Keith and all his family.
Sincere sympathy Wilma and family,have fond memories of Keith when hiking with Al and crew in Arizona.He always had a twinkle in his eye..Blessings always ,🫂🙏
Keith was a kind and gentle man…always a smile on his face. Lots of good memories from Saskatoon forward…our group of retired bankers did so many things together and we made
Great memories ❤️ my caring thoughts to Wilma and all the family. He lived a good life!
Our sincere condolences to Mrs Coffin and family. Mr Coffin was a lovely, kind man who was always interested in how others were doing. He will be greatly missed. May God bless him and the family. May your memories of him bring a smile to your faces as time goes on. Much love, Sharon and Dennis McGavock and family