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.
