KEITH McCONNELL

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KEITH McCONNELL Keith passed away peacefully, at the age of 90, on Thursday, February 21. He will be lovingly remembered by his son Bruce and daughter-in-law Shirley and the Peterson family; his sister Jean and family in California; brother-in-law Lorne and family in Vancouver; nephews, Rick and John Anderson and families; as well as many supportive friends. Keith was predeceased by his wife Judy in 2000; son Richard in 1976; his sister Jessie in 1995; and brother-in-law Fred in 1993 and sister-in-law Betty in 2000. Born in Vernon, ON, Keith was raised in Ninette, Killarney and Little Britain, MB, where his father served as a United Church minister. His early interest in electronics and radio led to a career in broadcasting, beginning in 1934 as a transmitter technician for radio station CJRC. He soon advanced to studio operator, then chief engineer. In 1942 he married fellow employee Judy Osborne, a loving relationship that lasted over 58 years. During the war Keith was proud to serve his country from 1942 to 1945 as a radio operator with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. He was based in Oxshot, England and joined the occupation forces in Netherlands and Germany. Upon his return to Winnipeg, Keith resumed his duties as chief engineer at CKRC. With the advent of television, he served as technical producer for CBWT when it first aired in 1954, the beginning of a 23 year career in CBC management. Keith was proud of his assignment at the 1976 Montreal Olympics before retiring later that year. Keith and Judy raised their two sons, Bruce, born 1949 and Richard, born 1952, in their Fort Garry home where they lived for 47 years. Keith loved his golf and curling at the Wildewood Club and was active on the executive board of both sports. Another favorite pastime was fishing, especially during many summer vacations to Detroit Lakes, MN. Keith and Judy shared many a golf vacation in addition to several holiday trips to Barbados with Bruce and Shirley. Keith spent long hours at his amateur radio station (VE4BC) and his computer. He was a founding member and instructor with the Winnipeg Senior Citizens Radio Club (VE4 WSC) and in his mid-eighties joined the Internet. Other hobbies included oil painting, self-taught guitar, and the construction of a 16 boat. As a volunteer, Keith installed Lifeline for Victoria Hospital. Following a two year residence in Southpark Estates, the effects of a second stroke caused Keith to move to St. Norbert Nursing Home where he spent his last three years. Here Keiths gentle nature and sense of humor endeared him to both the staff and the "other inmates" as he referred to his fellow residents. Bruce and Shirley thank the caring and friendly staff at St. Norbert who helped Keith to live out his last years in dignity. Keith will be lovingly remembered as a gentleman and a gentle man. He was patient, caring and above all a loving husband and proud father. Cremation has taken place. A service in Keiths honor will be held Wednesday, February 27, 10:30 a.m. at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Rd. Refreshments will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2002