William Keyes

Obituary of William Charles Keyes

William Charles Keyes It is with much sadness that the family announces the passing of William Charles Keyes, peacefully of old age, at Northumberland Hills Hospital on March 27. Loving and much loved husband and best friend of the late Margaret Keyes (nee Reek). Also predeceased by his eldest daughter, Dr. Mary E. Keyes. He will be greatly missed by his children Barb Winfield, Robert Keyes and his wife Susan, Peg Kelly and her husband Bruce, Carol Deimling and her husband Peter. Proud grandfather of Laura Winfield, Scott Winfield, Liz Kelly, Stephen Kelly, Jeff Deimling, and Brie Deimling, and great grandfather of Taya VanDyke. Bill Keyes was born in Ridgetown, Ontario on August 7, 1912. He graduated from OAC Agricultural College in Guelph in 1936 and worked with Toronto Elevators for nine years in its grain, seed and feed division. In 1945, he purchased a retail business in Port Hope, specializing in farm feeds and farm gasoline / home fuel oil delivery. Responding to his passion for farming developed during his early years growing up in rural Ontario, Bill also established a major hog grow operation in Port Hope and annually raised 200 acres of corn to support the enterprise. Bill was a member of Hope Lodge #114 since 1948, a member of Peterborough Valley Scottish Rite, and a charter member of Lakeshore Shrine Club in Port Hope. He was actively involved in and a major supporter of his community. He served as a trustee of the Port Hope and District Hospital Board for 28 years and as its chairman for 5 years. He also contributed to his community as a member and chairman of the Durham County School Board, the Port Hope Lions Club, and as an elder and long time member of the Port Hope United Church. Even in his late 80?s, Bill continued to show his concern by riding a yellow school bus to the Referendum rally in Montreal to join others in demonstrating English Canadians? commitment to a Canada which included Quebec. In his latter years of his retirement, Bill lived with his daughter Barb in her home in Port Hope. He was surrounded by many who enthusiastically provided unconditional kindness and care to him. He exhibited to the end, his positive outlook and his quiet sense of humour, his patience and perseverance, and his deep love for his family and friends. Bill was particularly proud of the accomplishments of his family. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm. on Friday, April 1st at the Allison Funeral Home at 103 Mill Street North in Port Hope. A celebration of Bill?s life will be held for family and friends at the Port Hope United Church, 34 South Street, Port Hope at 2 pm on Saturday, April 2nd. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bill?s memory to the Keyes Scholarship at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1; the Port Hope United Church, 34 South Street, Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 1R8; the Multiple Sclerosis Society; or to the charity of your choice.