ARVON ARGYLE KEATING

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ARVON ARGYLE KEATING Arvon Argyle Keating, 89, passed away on March 17, 2013 in Nanaimo, BC after a long and full life. He was born on February 21, 1924 in Silverton, MB to Wallace and Hattie (McFarlane) Keating. Arvon is survived by his children Leslie Mercer of Nanaimo, BC, Audrey (Elaine) Keating of Parksville, BC, Gyle (Sam) Keating of Salt Spring Island, BC, and Kent (Debbie) Keating of 100 Mile House, BC; his brother Larry Keating of Cranbrook, BC and his sister Margaret Gray of Winnipeg, MB; his grandchildren Jeremy (Lauren) Keating, Annya (Patrick) Linfoot, Naomi (Andrew) Jacobs, Jennifer (Paul) Denby, Stephanie (Jesse) Mercer, Brandon (Kristen) Keating, Aaron Keating, and Tiffany Keating; his great-grandchildren Ember, Carter, and Connol; and his nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Arvon was predeceased by his parents Wallace and Hattie Keating, and his wife Betha Keating. Arvon grew up on a farm and went to school in Clandeboye and Selkirk, MB. In the early 1940s, after graduation, he worked for two years as a laboratory technician for the Manitoba Sugar Company. Then in 1943 he joined the R.C.A.F., trained as a pilot, and became a flying instructor. At the end of the war, he enrolled in the Science faculty at the University of Manitoba, but after two years returned to Clandeboye, where he farmed from 1947 to 1960. In the late 1950s, Arvon struggled over continuing to farm or to follow a calling to ministry. He decided on the ministry and graduated from United College in Winnipeg (now the University of Winnipeg) in 1965, with degrees in both Arts and Theology. After his ordination, Arvon served as a United Church minister in several rural charges in Western Manitoba, including Emerson-Dominion City, Nesbitt-Carroll, and Gladstone. In 1975, Arvon moved to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and served in a team ministry at St. Andrew's before moving on to Trinity United. In the early 1980s, he took on a stint installing deck coverings before accepting a call to Bethany United in Surrey, BC. Arvon returned to Nanaimo in the late 1980s and, as a semi-retired minister, served Gabriola United Church until he retired permanently. During his career, Arvon led lively Bible study and youth groups and was active at both Presbytery and Conference levels. He had the knack of communicating the complex in ways that were easily understood. On Sunday mornings, many a child - and parent - was fascinated by his stories while they waited to find out what mystery lay hidden in a simple cardboard box or brown paper bag. Arvon married Betha Calis on June 20, 1951 in Selkirk, MB and remained devotedly married for 52 years until her death in 2003. A deeply caring parent, Arvon saw into the hearts of his children and grandchildren and gave each one his abiding love. A multi-skilled man, Arvon pursued a variety of hobbies, including gardening, lapidary, whittling, and woodturning. In his hands, the most unpromising chunk of wood was transformed into a perfectly proportioned vase, goblet, or bowl. Arvon was also an avid curler, a deadly shot at crokinole, and a daunting cribbage player. He enjoyed watching hockey and football and was a lifelong Bombers fan. Arvon's broad and deep knowledge base, warm humanity, and twinkling eyes made him approachable and appealing to people of all ages and walks of life. He accepted people as they were, without judging, and offered kindness, compassion, and encouragement unstintingly. A stalwart oak, he knew how to bend. A memorial service will be held at Brechin United Church, 1998 Estevan Road, Nanaimo, BC on March 27, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. A private interment will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2013