Gordon Stewart Keith, born to Patrick and Gertrude (nee Grafton) Keith on September 17, 1934, passed away December 10th, 2023 in the palliative care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Thunder Bay. His daughter-in-law Cynthia and son Ken provided comfort and support to Gordon in his last days. Ken was at Gordon’s side in his last moments.
Gordon was predeceased by his wife Lorraine (Lorry) Keith; daughter Marion Saydak (Alan, dec.); brother Leslie Keith; and sister Glades Simpson. Gordon is survived by his son Ken Keith (Cynthia) and daughter Gerri Klein (David); grandchildren Ryan Keith (Carla), Nickall Bryan (Marc), Lys Davey (Mike), Patrick Saydak (Colleen), Megan Fels (Christian), Alison Klein, Aaron Klein (Carolyn) and Aden Thompson-Klein (Nikki); and great grandchildren Gordy Keith; Jamie, Benedict and Kiersten Bryan; Annika and Amy Davey; Elliott and Everett Saydak; Emily and Wyatt Fells; and Oscar Klein.
Gordon was born in Canora, Saskatchewan, the youngest of three siblings. His brother Leslie was 9 years older than Gordon, and sister Glades was 18 years older. His parents moved to Assiniboia prior to Gordon graduating from high school. He started working at the Toronto Dominion Bank in Assiniboia in the fall of 1953 the day after his 18th birthday, having to delay his employment with the bank until the fall because he was under age to be a teller. He was soon transferred to Wolseley, Saskatchewan, where all three of his children were born. The family made several moves in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba as Gordon climbed the career ladder to become a bank manager, and later a bank inspector. He retired from the bank in the mid-1980s.
During retirement, Gordon and Lorry spent much of their time at Whitefish Lake, hosting friends and family at their cottage (or camp, as those in Thunder Bay call it). As their extended families grew, Gordon built a second guest house for the families and grandchildren who visited. Gordon and Lorry entertained all their guests with meals of fresh vegetables from their garden, often fish that Gordon caught in Whitefish Lake, and on occasion, surprised guests with sumptuous deep-fried turkey. Lorry baked homemade pies or cakes to finish the meal. No one left hungry from their camp at Whitefish Lake.
After retirement, Gordon and Lorry became snow birds in the winter, driving to Panama City Beach, Florida 25 times. The couple made many close friends in Panama City Beach, and for several months each winter, they enjoyed good company, good food, and importantly, good weather.
Gordon had many, many friends, creating an extended circle of loved ones in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. Bob and Eileen Dalzell were close to both Lorry and Gordon, frequently trading recipes, sharing meals and birthdays, weekending with Gordon and Lorry at Whitefish Lake, and occasionally enjoying vacations in Las Vegas. Marie Vance was Gordon’s close companion in his last years in Thunder Bay. Gordon recently celebrated Marie’s daughter’s wedding with the Vance family. Brenda Glad (dec) and Gordon were snowbirds together during his last trips to Florida and Las Vegas. After Brenda passed away, Susan Wright (Rob), Brenda’s daughter, often had lunch with Gordon, occasions he looked forward to. Mary and Ray Tomiak from Brandon, Manitoba were always available for a chat, a visit or a meal when Gordon traveled to Winnipeg. And Dad always enjoyed visits from Bruce Brown and Benny Gordon whenever they came to Thunder Bay. Gordon’s Wednesday morning coffee buddies were part of his circle, and he loved them all.
Gordon had a long life, well lived. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Thunder Bay Branch No. 5, 229 Van Norman St, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4B6, Canada.
At his request, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date with interment in Transcona Cemetery (Manitoba). Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
