Keefe, David

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Keefe, our dear husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Dave was born on September 18, 1960, and passed away on July 7, 2023, at the age of 62. He passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his wife, Joy Keefe, and with his brother, Wayne, and sister-in-law, Dorie, by his side.

Dave was born in Toronto, Ontario. He was the second child of Helen Keefe. He moved to BC at a young age with his mother and older brother Wayne. They lived in Hammond, in the Lower Mainland, until the birth of his sister, Gayle, after which they all moved to Nelson, BC. Dave loved growing up in the Kootenays. He spent his younger years hunting and fishing at Cottonwood Lake with his many friends. He spent many hours with his grandparents eating grandma’s food and playing checkers with grandpa.

As a young man, Dave worked at Cominco in Trail and shared an apartment with close friends in Nelson. He met Gwen Paton and not long after he became a father to his two sons, Chris, and Mike. Dave relayed many stories over the years about his sons and how much they meant to him but after a separation in his mid-20’s he was ready for another adventure and moved to the Northwest Territories for 8 years. His employment with Wood Buffalo National Park gave him many opportunities to follow his passion for aviation (helicopters in particular) and exploring the wilderness.

When Dave returned to Nelson in his early 30’s he found employment working at West Arm Trucking as a Warehouseman. A few years later in March of 1995 he met Joy who would become his wife of 25 years. They were smitten at first sight! Dave and Joy were married on June 20, 1998. The wedding was held at his sister Gayle’s beautiful yard on Bedford Road a few miles out of Nelson.

Dave made a career change when he got his Class 1 driver’s licence. He spent many years as a long-haul truck driver living in the semi 5 days a week and only coming home on weekends. While it was hard to be away from home, he discovered many beautiful landscapes and towns across Canada and the US. He loved to tell stories about the places he had been and the people he met. He was a hard worker and took pride in his trucking trade. Long days on the highway would set his imagination whirling and he would come up with different ideas and stories. He sent one of his stories to the “Letters to the Editor” of Pro-Trucker magazine which was later published.

Dave was a character! He was adventurous, funny, kind, loving, and full of stories, which he loved to share! Many times over! Dave loved country music, America’s Got Talent, and calling his friends while lounging in a bubble bath. At times his temper would flare but he was quick to apologize and never held a grudge. Dave accepted Joy’s family as his own. Her daughters, Vaneesa, Jolene, and Kami, became his daughters as her siblings became his brothers and sisters. Dave was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an honourable man. He was a man that loved deeply, laughed joyously, and was a true friend. He is dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dave is survived by his wife Joy; his sons: Chris Paton (Candis), Mike Paton (Christina); his siblings, Wayne Keefe (Dorie), Gayle Keefe (Mike); his niece Courtney (Collin); his close cousin Sandy Seymore; his daughters through marriage: Vaneesa Wiebe (Chris), Jolene Shkooratoff (Joe), and Kami (Dave); his 7 grandchildren, Grace, Dre, Ava, Caelan, Annara, Brittney, and Bristol; and his many siblings through marriage. Dave is missed by all but lives in our hearts until we meet again.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Milde, for his excellent care and compassion for Dave; the 3rd floor nurses at Nelson Hospital, and Hospital Social Worker Hannah; and the home care team for their excellent care of Dave. And a special thank you to Maggie Marsh, Home Support nurse, and Care Aide Selina, whom Dave formed a special bond during his illness.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be announced at a later date on this website.

In lieu of flowers and expression of sympathy, family and friends that wish to, may make a donation to Nelson & District Home Support.