Keith Angus West
Keith Angus West
August 3, 1927 – April 19, 2015
Keith was born in Girvan Saskatchewan at the beginning of the depression in 1927 and it affected his whole life. He was recycling and repurposing long before that became popular. His early life was an apprenticeship for a vast array of skills: farming, gardening, building, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, logging, truck driving, machinery operating, and mechanical work. His curiosity and patience often resulted in working through challenging problems. The three homes he built on Vancouver Island were completed almost entirely by himself while working at a full time job at the pulp mill in Port Alberni.
Keith was able to participate in a many recreational activities. He enjoyed the outdoors so fishing and hunting were the source of many adventures. It was common to get up in the wee hours to be “there” for first light. Keith and Dorothy always had a camping vehicle for those trips to the prairies or winters as a snowbird. Keith loved meeting new people on their travels and hearing their stories. He didn’t watch much television.
Keith left the farm in Pelly Saskatchewan to earn a living but he always was a farmer at heart. He loved his John Deere tractor and large garden. Through their hard work they were able to retire quite early. Keith was in farmer mode, clearing back the trees on their small acreage and expanding the gardens. His best times were in his garden where he fertilized with seaweed, watered religiously, hoed in his live and let live manner. Keith was devoted to his Dorothy. He enjoyed bringing her roses, peaches and raspberries from his garden. Keith was never eager to leave home yet always enjoyed each country Dorothy convinced him to travel to. His wife Dorothy passed away days before their 65 anniversary in November 2014.
After a 15 year battle Keith succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer’s. The final insult to his health was a broken hip that lead to his demise within a week. During his 4 year residency at Mountain Lakes, Keith had been a favorite of the caregivers with his easy smile and cooperative attitude.
Small children and dogs have a sense of a person’s true spirit. They all enjoyed being close to Keith. He was a wonderful, friend, spouse, father and grandfather. He will be missed. Keith is survived by his son Richard (Susan) and their children Kathryn, Sarah and Robert of Redwater Alberta: Daughter Wendy West (Mike Reichardt) of Nelson, His sister Faye Rezansoff (John) of Togo. Keith was predeceased by his parents Jack and Alice West of Pelly, His twin Alfred, and younger brothers Glenn and Ellis. The West family would like to thank the the staff of Mountain Lake Assisted Living program and Dr. Janz for the excellent care they gave Keith.
The family will gather in the Maloneck cemetery north of Pelly Saskatchewan on a sunny day next summer to say goodbye to Keith and Dorothy. They were always happiest when they were together.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service
