Born in Carlisle, England and passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Victoria, BC. Survived by his loving family, wife Lorraine, son Dean (Jennie) and daughter, Ainsley (Damon).
Throughout his life, Keith was independent and adventurous. He immigrated to Canada in his early twenties, briefly returning to England to complete his Engineering education before heading to Vancouver and finally settling in Victoria in the 1970s.
Keith had a varied career as a Professional Mechanical Engineer with many years at BC Sugar Refinery, then in the marine field (including designing a sailing mast for a submarine), and finally in commercial and residential building design.
He was a longtime lover of the sea starting as a Sea Scout dinghy sailing in the North Sea. Determined to sail the sea but unable to afford the purchase of a suitable vessel, Keith built his beloved Ferro cement ketch, Sea Mouse, in his backyard. With Dean and Ainsley in tow, he cruised from BC to Mexico and to Hawaii and back. The offshore ocean sailing was followed by many years of local cruising in Sea Mouse and Flyte with Lorraine as his cook and navigator. With a zeal for sailing, swimming, fishing and scuba diving, he loved being on the water, in the water and under the water. In 1984, Keith joined the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) and was honoured to serve a term as Commodore. There he enjoyed sailing adventures, camaraderie, shared a love of the sea and developed many lifelong friendships. As President of the BC Marine Parks Forever Society, he advocated for the creation of new marine parks.
Music brought him much pleasure as a listener and piano player. As a young adult, Keith played jazz piano in a small seaside town in England and later continued entertaining friends whether they wanted to listen or not. With great enthusiasm, he enjoyed acting and piano playing in the Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s pantomimes. Cycling, hiking, skiing, travel and love of animals (especially a certain cocker spaniel named Dustin) rounded out his passions.
Keith will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith’s memory to BC Marine Parks Forever Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
16 Responses
My parents (Gerry and Helga Robson) were members of the Royal Vic Yacht Club. We spent many days cruising in the company of Keith & Lauraine, amongst others. I literally grew up knowing Keith since I was about 7 or 8 yrs old. I have many fond memories of laughter as Keith would tell one of his many tales. I always enjoyed being in his presence. As i got older my encounters with Keith became less frequent, but i consider myself very lucky to have seen him in November and had the opportunity to tell him how much i enjoyed having him as a part of my life. My heart is heavy with news of his passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to Lauraine and his family for their loss.
Lots of Love,
Geoff
Dear Lorraine
I remember fondly of when you met Keith travelling back and forth on the BC Ferries. The pleasure of hearing Keith’s melodic voice when he called for you at work. Soo sad to hear of his passing. Hang on to those wonderful memories.
Sending my Love and Condolences to you.
Condolences to Lorraine & family on the passing of Keith; a charming man with a lovely sense of humour!!
Dear Lorraine and family,
Olivia and I are very saddened to hear of Keith’s death. We have many happy memories of chance rendezvous in beautiful anchorages, here and there, over the years. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Peter
Dear Lorraine and family-
I’m so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Keith was a great guy and I know you had many wonderful times together.
I’m thinking of you at this sad time.
Best wishes-
Merridy
So saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. He was a marvelous man. So many wonderful memories.
I have many fond memories of Keith, most recently the lovely speech he gave at my Dad’s 70th birthday party this past summer. He was such a great friend to my Dad, and always carried such a kind, gentle presence with him…..and lets not forget that great sense of humor. Sending lots of love, hugs and strength during this difficult time. Emily Hann.xo
Keith was a kind man and a gentle soul. We were glad to have known him.
We are so sorry to hear that Keith is gone leaving a hole in the social fabric of RVYC where he kept one and all so well entertained for decades. Very sad. Jane Harris
What a truly lovely man and spirit.So very accomplished.He will be missed by so many.