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KEITH MACFARLANE
Born: Feb 23, 1950
Date of Passing: Dec 20, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKEITH MACFARLANE
Keith John MacFarlane died peacefully at Concordia Hospital on December 20 of complications from Parkinson's Disease.
He was predeceased by Nila Dennis, his wife of 48 years. He leaves daughter Laurel Murphy (Nick), grandchildren, Charlotte and Nolan Murphy, and son Graham MacFarlane.
Keith was born to Douglas and Dorothy (Primmer) MacFarlane, and grew up in the Riverview neighbourhood of Winnipeg, with a two-year sojourn in France. He was the eldest of three children, with a sister Audrey and a brother Lorne, who died in early childhood. Keith attended Churchill High School and then studied architecture at the University of Manitoba. After a few years working for small firms, Keith partnered with Dudley Thompson to establish the practice that is now Prairie Architects. He was an eminently practical architect, designing unfussy, adaptable spaces. Much of his work was done in Northwest Ontario, with buildings such as Kenora Public Library, Lake of the Woods Museum, and Ignace Library and Township Office. His design for the McNally Robinson at Grant Park, with its spiral stair leading to a tree-top children's section, although a modest project, is one that seems to occupy a place in the heart of many Winnipeggers.
Keith was always very active, and had a keen sense of adventure. As a university student he biked across Europe. He paddled the Hayes River from Norway House to York Factory in a month-long canoe expedition retracing the old fur trade route. He took the Trans-Siberian railway across Russia. He carried the Olympic torch in a cross-Canada relay. He bought his first sailboat before he bought his first car, and loved to spend afternoons sailing at the family cottage in the Whiteshell. He left architecture in his early 50s to design and build a 50' boat. Well into his 60s he would play pick-up hockey with the teenagers at the local rink. He and Nila travelled the world together in their retirement.
He was a family man, prioritizing time with his kids, and then grandkids, making amazing Halloween costumes with them, or coming up with elaborate themed birthday parties. Whether sailing, canoeing, camping, or cross-country skiing, he loved spending quality time outdoors. A consummate handyman, he built a two-storey playhouse in the backyard with a toboggan slide, and was always working away at renovations of some kind.
Keith was kind, gentle, and generous. He will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank the staff of Concordia N1-North for their wonderful care.
A funeral service will take place on Wednesday January 17 at 2:00 pm at the United Church in Meadowood, where Keith was a long-time member.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2023, Dec 23, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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My condolences to the family on the loss of Keith. I worked with Keith, Dudley and Robert (and Peter) for a period of 5 years. I started with them in the unairconditioned Edmonton St. Attic and moved with them to the Market Ave. location. I worked closely with Keith developing the technical drawings and specification for numerous projects over the time I was there. I specifically remember the Kenora Library project which was near and dear to us both. I remember Keith as a kind, compassionate and fair leader and a great mentor. He was very family oriented and I had the opportunity to get to know Nila and the kids. He will be missed. - Posted by: Lewis Pfeifer (Former Employee) on: Jan 09, 2024
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We have known Keith for many years, Initially through Nila (My colleague). Nila was pregnant with Laurel when I first met them. We travelled together with them to Peru and was planning to travel with them to England. They passed too early in their lives. We will miss them both dearly. Our sincere condolence to you Laurel, Graham and your family. Rest in peace, Keith. Mariko. - Posted by: Mariko Matsumoto and Bruce Edwards (Friends) on: Dec 24, 2023
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We met Nila and Keith through mutual friends, the Walkty's. Couple gatherings followed until parenting changed everyone's focus. It was AWESOME to reconnect (and hear), Keith and Nila, years later, as they practiced and performed concerts at Fort Garry United Church. Our sympathies to Laurel, Nick, Charlotte, Nolan, Graham, and Audrey, sincerely Sandy and Fred Stalder (Ottawa, Ontario). - Posted by: Sandy Stalder (Friends) on: Dec 24, 2023
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I spent a big chunk of this past summer working with Keith to build a fence and gate as well as some smaller projects inside. His passion for woodworking is the reason why I hope to go into carpentry for the future. Thank you Keith for everything you’ve taught me, you will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Jonah (Friend) on: Dec 23, 2023