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KEITH ARLINGTON PATRICK SANDIFORD
Born: Mar 02, 1936
Date of Passing: Aug 28, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKEITH ARLINGTON PATRICK SANDIFORD
Dr. Keith Arlington Patrick Sandiford, 90, of Winnipeg, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026.
Keith was born on March 2, 1936, in the Bay Land, St. Michael, Barbados to Goulburn and Myra Sandiford. Keith discovered a lifelong passion for reading, writing, speaking and history at a young age. He spent his early years at Combermere School (Barbados). He earned his bachelor's degree in history from University College of the West Indies (Jamaica) in 1960. He went on to complete a master’s degree in 1961 and PhD in 1966 at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Sandiford dedicated over 45 years of his life to education. He served as a Professor of History at University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, starting in 1966, where his passion for the past inspired generations of undergraduates and graduate students alike. Known for his sharp wit and open office door, he believed teaching extended far beyond the lecture hall. He authored numerous books, articles, essays, pamphlets and reviews on a wide variety of subjects including Victorian politics, culture and diplomacy to Caribbean cricket, Barbadian education and Black Studies. On these subjects he was often invited to speak in several Canadian and Caribbean cities as well as the USA and Australia.
After his retirement in 1998, he served as a Senior Scholar, in the History Department and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Winnipeg. In 2002, he was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus.
Outside of academia, Keith was an avid Bridge player, an enthusiastic Scrabble player, and a sports fan of cricket, ice hockey and tennis. He was also an active community volunteer; he was president of the Barbados Association of Winnipeg for many years. As well he was involved with many other ethnic associations. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, his former students, and all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lorraine; his children, Gary and Shelley (Lewis); his granddaughter Naomi; his brother Harry and sister Muriel as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters Grace Thompson, Hazel Manning and Stella Eugene; his brothers Basil and Birt.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Harmony Court, Deer Lodge and the many provincial support workers. Your exceptional care, patience, and profound kindness brought immense comfort to Keith and dignity to his final years. We will forever be grateful for the way you loved and supported him through the challenges of dementia.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2026
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Condolences to Lorraine, Gary, Shelley, and other family and friends of our dear friend Keith. We will cherish the precious moments we had together. Keith was like a brother to my late husband, DK, and an uncle to Lisa and Kevin. Keith can be credited with our moving from Guelph to Winnipeg in 1970, when our lives improved dramatically. May he rest in peace until we meet. - Posted by: Lucinda Gordon (Family friend) on: Oct 17, 2026
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On behalf of our daddy, Percy/ Piggy Villafana, we send condolences to Keith's family. May He rest in eternal peace. - Posted by: Carla Villafana and family (Daughter of friend Percy / Piggy Villafana) on: Oct 11, 2026
