Keith Margetts passed away at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital on June 16th, 2024, with his wife Wendy and his two amazing daughters Tessa and Carmen at his side. He fought his esophageal cancer with great honesty and integrity just like he did everything else in his life. He died after having the privilege of being attended by “two angels” from the palliative outreach team – Fiona and Rahael. Our family ‘s thanks to Dr. Pawlik, Dr. Unger and palliative Dr. Mary – doctors who deserve the title of Doctor.
Keith was born 1954 in Broken Hill Zambia to Doreen and Percy Margetts. He leaves to mourn his sister Denny Bam (Bert deceased) and their children Michelle, Gail, Shaun and Jeffrey; brother Neville Margetts (Ronny) and their children Anthea and Dean; Sister-in-law Sue Carter (Godfrey) and their children Debbie, Lindy, Mandy and Nicholas; Sister-in-law Christia and nieces Donne and Jolene and their respective families and many lifelong friends both in South Africa and Canada.
Keith attended school in South Africa from the age of 11 and after completing his full-time national service he went on to Rhodes University to complete his Honours in Business Administration. Keith attended army camps in South Africa from 1977 to 1983 leaving home for three months each year.
He married Wendy in 1978 and after a glorious carefree 7 years (excluding army camps), Carmen was born and three years later Tessa arrived to complete his family.
Keith qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1983. Keith was a lifelong learner as his colleagues in the Provincial Government can attest to. Keith retired in 2017 and turned his search for knowledge to photography. The Shutterbugs in Sidney and the Raptors in Duncan brought him a lot of joy.
The family is truly grateful for all the support and the understanding from friends when Keith was not wanting visitors. Thanks to JoAnn Gillespie for her ongoing positivity and loving support. Thanks also to good friends Tessa Lowis and Steve Clooney who enabled Keith to complete two bucket list items in his last months – a visit to San Josef Bay / Mira falls and a final visit to Tofino.
Keith’s Celebration of Life will take place on July 23, 2024 (Keith’s 70th Birthday), from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at 2522 James Island Road, Saanichton. At this event we will be collecting old towels for Animal Welfare.
If you wish to make a contribution in Keith’s name you can email The Raptors: raptorrescuesociety@gmail.com
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
Keith, our beloved brother and brother in law. Your jovial WhatsApp calls are sadly missed. But we know you are no longer suffering. Our heartfelt condolences to Wendy Carmen and Tessa .
Big brother Nev and Ronnie
Hello Wendy, I am very sad to hear of Keith’s passing. Keith was my manager on several Internal Audit projects, but more than that he was my friend. Whenever Keith and I would meet, we started laughing and acting silly. He made me smile every time I saw him. He will be missed.
Hello Wendy
My family and I were saddened to learn of Keith’s passing. Keith is a thread that’s firmly woven into some of the best memories my kids have. He will be fondly remembered. I wish that you and your daughters are comforted by the time and memories you had with him.
Hi Wendy and family
It’s a long time since we enjoyed being together in Duynefontein but my memories are of great times with the round table and as neighbours. I was sad to hear of Keith’s passing but encouraged to read of the loving family surrounding Keith.
Farewell old buddy
Hello Wendy, I was very sad to hear of Keith’s passing. As you may recall, I worked with Keith for many years in Internal Audit and Advisory Services, , Office of the Comptroller General. He was a consummate professional, highly qualified, very experienced and you knew his work was of a high quality. Everyone enjoyed working with him, whatever level and he was great with our clients. I remember working closely with him on the high profile Olympics file, it was long hours and stressful, but Keith as always had a good chuckle and wry smile! Please accept my condolences to you all, I’m sure he was well loved and will be sorely missed.
Keith was my uncle and my memory of him is always of his laugh – that chuckle was infectious. The pain you are feeling will be lessened by the moments you treasure of good times. I hope there are many of those special moments for you all, Wendy, Carmen and Tessa.
Love and hugs, Gail, South Africa
How do I express the sorrow to the loss of my dearly beloved little brother, Kafupi. Keith was 14 yrs my junior so I was not always around but there are many fond memories I treasure that bring back a smile or a chuckle. He started school at Luawangwa Primary in Broken Hill, Zambia. Then continued education at Dale College as a boarder gaining Matric. Thereafter he attended lectures at Rhodes University in Grahamstown graduating with Diploma’s in Charter Accountancy with a Master’s Degree. Much to the pride and joy of Mom and Dad. I am sure there are many stories in that period, friends could recall. My personal favorites are as follows: A young Keith; after visiting our Grandmother, Florrie Margetts, who was a very talkative, entertaining lady, he remarked, “Gee Gran talks more than me. I couldn’t get a word in edgeways!” The 2nd memory is him seeming to enjoy sitting between older brother Neville and girlfriend until he was paid to get lost. The seed for Charter Accountancy had been sown. 3rd – My dearly departed hubby Bert and I had travelled up to Broken Hill for our Engagement Party and on the first morning, Bert was brushing his teeth when suddenly a troupe of children, Keith had gathered from the neighborhood in the passage, pointed at him and announced “There he is!” Four – After Bert and I were married a month or two, I received a letter from little brother wanting to know “How are you getting on with your new husband?” Have to love it. Five – We lived in Oranjemund, SWA, for some years for De Beers Mining Company and at that time, parents were there as well. By then, we had four children of our own who thought this long haired varsity student, who played awful music was the greatest! Keith of course, came home for the holidays but when he saw the mob arrive at the garden gate, he ducked out the back door. Kiefie had fled! Of course, he had a serious side, he did his army duty and at times spent weekends with us. My family growing up too. Keith married Wendy and started a family of his own, two lovely girls, Carmen and Tessa, who he adored. However we had to say goodbye when family immigrated to Canada. Very happy in that beautiful country becoming Canadian citizens, Girls have grown up, studied at Varsity just as Keith and Wendy did and now working. Keith loved his family, so proud of their achievements. He and Wendy enjoyed and loved nature, often taking camping trips around Canada’s extraordinary beautiful country. Once with a pet dog in tow. Animals were a priority too, loved their furry friends very much. Keith even got involved with protection of the wolves and bears. He developed a passion for photography and became an accomplished photographer at this hobby. Years go by and even though miles apart, modern communication allows us still to hold, persist and enjoy love and comradery between everyone. We grown older and have lost loved ones along the way as well. I shall miss my darling little brother so much but take heart in that perhaps Bert, was there to greet and announce to those gone ahead, “There he is!” With all my love, from big sister Den
Norman and Colleen Ensil we remember the first day we met Keith – we bought a nice bottle of wine and stuck an Oom Tas sticker on it – (was a cheap wine in South Africa) – Keith laughed so loud – the beginning of a great friendship with the Margetts – we didn’t like to see you suffer but you bore your sickness with such dignity – we never loved you any less Keith – may your dear soul rest in peace -to Wendy, Carmen and Tessa – you brave souls – you did such a fine job taking care of Keith – take solace in knowing that he is in a better place and no more suffering – okay me crying too much now – always will we love you Wendy because you deserve it from us Norman and Colleen
We were saddened to read of Keith’s passing. Though we haven’t seen the Margetts family since Tessa and Kate ceased to be teammates, we often laugh as we recall Keith’s best party trick . . . demonstrated on a trip to soccer provincials as the parents gathered to share a beverage or two. Iykyk. Those soccer days were lots of fun and Keith and Wendy were a core part of the crew. Sending big hugs your way. Unfortunately we will be out of town and miss his celebration of life but will raise a glass in his memory that day. Donna and Tim Carlson
Very sorry to read this news today. Keith was always very kind to me. Sending my best to Carmen, Tessa and Wendy. Thinking of you today.