After a long struggle, Keith passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the age of 83 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Sheila; son, Kelly and daughter-in-law, Millie of High River; daughter, Rea Wilkinson and son-in-law Ken, of Claresholm. He is also remembered by his grandchildren, Jessica and Cole and Amanda and Jayce who are the best grandkids a Papa could possibly have; sister, Mary of Calgary; numerous nephews and nieces, and grand-nephews and nieces, all very special to him. Keith was predeceased by his parents, Adam and Ange Wilson and nephew Cam Wilkie.
He received his Sheet Metal Ticket while working for Glenn Cannam in Claresholm, also challenged his Welding Ticket while working for Safeway Shelter Systems also of Claresholm. He had a burning desire to own land in the area and we bought a half-section originally homesteaded by Manson Campbell and we still live here. He loved horses first and foremost, tolerated cattle so he could work his horses, and at a request by John Visser, a Saddlemaker in Stavely at that time, to build him a pair of metal-covered Stirrups. This he continued for 30 years, also helped in buying more horses and cattle, and have sold Stirrups to customers in Canada, the USA, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand.
Not too bad for just helping a friend. This past year he left the grass in good shape and passed the torch, so to speak, to Kelly so the Anchor S Ent. Stirrup Business will still go on without a hitch. He was a quiet man in crowds, not so much with family. He loved nothing better than arguing with grandson, Cole and anyone else who enjoyed arguing. He was so very proud of his grandkids and their achievements. He had so many good friends and enjoyed a dram of Single Malt Scotch with family and friends who came to visit. We will miss him greatly. So if you see a pair of Brass or Stainless stirrups of some cowboy’s saddle, covered with whatever they might be covered with, chances are they will be his. Not bad for the quiet man from Pine Coulee.
A Celebration his Life will be held at the Stavely Community Hall on Friday, October 11th, 2019 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s name may be made to The Stavely and District Agricultural Society or to any charitable organization of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca