KEITH

The world has lost a hard-working, kind, and genuine gentleman. With heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Herbert “Herb” John Daniel Keith of Rimbey, Alberta. Herb passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the age of 94 years.

Herb was born on the family farm west of Rimbey on December 3, 1926. He attended primary school in the Fuller District, and obtained most of his high school education in Rimbey. Herb helped out on the farm for many years, supplementing the farm income by trucking and working in the oil patch (cat skinning). In 1950 he was united in marriage to Maxine Strachan, and together they resided on the family farm for a few years before relocating into Rimbey in 1956, where Herb worked for Sylver Service Garage. Their family was blessed with four children: Linda, Randy, David, and Patty. For a short stint, Herb and Maxine moved their young family to the Sundre area, where Herb worked at the sawmill, and Maxine was the cook. They then moved to Viking where Herb stock-piled gravel for the Canadian National Railway. Their hearts always remained in Rimbey though, and it wasn’t long before they moved back home and Herb resumed his employment with Sylver Service Garage, obtaining his mechanic papers. In 1960, he went to work at the Rimbey Gas Plant, retiring in 1989. It was also in 1960 that Herb and Maxine bought and moved an old house into town, a home where they happily resided for many years. He relocated to the Valley View Manor in 2019.

Herb was a valued member of the Rimbey community, helping out with the volunteer Fire Department and as a member of the Rimbey United Church. He drove ambulance for a while, and volunteered his time driving the Blindman Handi-Van. Herb was also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Rimbey Branch No. 36; the Rimbey Kitchener Masonic Lodge, No. 95; the Scottish Rite; the Order of the Eastern Star; as well as the Al Shamal Shriners, and the Ponoka Shrine Fire Truck Unit. He loved to keep busy in the community, yet he also enjoyed his down-time when he could be found tinkering in his garden, traveling, hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying a relaxing day on the golf course.

Herb will be lovingly remembered by his very dear friend of 13 years, Joyce Eggleston, and all of her family; his daughters: Linda (Ray) Babiuk; and Patty Keith; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Keith. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Nikki (Kyler), Leslee (Troy), John, Danny, Scott, Dean (Amanda), and Kristen; his eight great grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and numerous treasured friends. Herb was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Maxine in 2006; sons, Randy in 2011 and David in 2019; and his siblings: two brothers, Sylvanus and Donald; and one sister, Peggy. Herb was the last of his generation to leave us. He will be greatly missed.

A Private Family Service in Celebration of Herb’s Life was held at the Rimbey United Church on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Marco Ste-Marie officiating. A Public Graveside Service followed at 1:30 p.m. in the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Rimbey. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Herb’s memory may be made directly to the Rimbey Health Services Donations Program, c/o Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhealthdonations.com); or to the Rimbey United Church Memorial Fund, Box 7, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyunitedchurch.org). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca

Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Herbert “Herb” John Daniel Keith entrusted to the care of