Obituary of George Keith

KEITH - Mr. George Keith, longtime Yorkton resident, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2005 at Morris House in the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. He was 90 years of age. George Patterson Keith was born on August 9, 1915 at Morden, Manitoba; a son of William and Agnes (nee Watt) Keith. His early years were spent on the family farm at Morden. He received his education there and fondly reminisced about how he rode his horse to school every day. In his early 20's he moved to Yorkton and worked as a farm labourer. Here he met Bessie Border, and the couple were married on August 3, 1939 at Melville. Soon after their marriage, George joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. The couple resided at Trenton, Ontario for most of George's service. He received his discharge in 1945. The couple homesteaded at Spirit River, Alberta but returned to Yorkton in 1952, where they actively farmed until the late 1990's. George was a soft-spoken man, but strong in his convictions. He had a warm and caring manner. He greatly enjoyed the company of his family and friends and always tried to make people feel at home. His farming career brought him much satisfaction, he was a true steward of the land, living in harmony with what nature provided. Throughout his farming years, George had been involved with the UGG and NFU organizations. He was also a long time member of the Yorkton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. In his early years, he played in a band, enjoyed singing with a barbershop quartet in the 60's, was an avid curler, and a past president of the Yorkton Farmer's Curling Club. His hobbies included working with his hands doing carpentry, stained glass and metal work. George and Bessie also enjoyed many winters in Arizona and summers at their cottage at Good Spirit Lake. Predeceased by his beloved wife on June 17, 2005 and in declining health, George had become a recent resident of the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. He was also predeceased by his parents; daughter: Georgia-Lee on October 23, 2001; two brothers: Bill and Alan and two sisters: Thelma Oke and Florence Evans. He leaves with fond remembrance, son R. Bruce and wife Gwen of Yorkton; grandchildren: Lorna (Bryce) Sherring; Brian (Kristine) Shkwarchuk, Scott Keith, and Kyle (Raylene) Keith; great grandchildren: Jordan, Riley, Brendan, Bryce and Colbie Sherring, and Bronwyn Shkwarchuk. Cremation took place at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Crematorium with interment in the family plot at the Yorkton City Cemetery. The memorial service was held on Thursday, October 20, 2005 from St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton with Jeri Bjornson officiating. Grandson, Brian Shkwarchuk gave the eulogy. Organist, Shani Apland led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns Morning Has Broken, Those Hearts We Have Treasured, and For the Fruit of All Creation. A reception followed in the lower hall of the church. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, October 20th, 2005 2:00pm, St. Andrew's United Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery