It is with regret we announce the passing of Keith Pickell on Monday, March 4, 2024 at the age of 95 years.
Keith will be lovingly remembered by his wife Fran, son Brent, daughter Nadine Klassen of East Selkirk, grandson Riley Klassen (Carly Hamilton), great grandson Rowan of Oak Bluff, granddaughter Jodi (Kristjan) Smith, great grandsons Asher and Fynn of East Selkirk, daughter Holly (Kinelm) Brookes of Portage la Prairie, granddaughter Brittany (Brody) Gent, great grandsons Brextyn and Brayson of Ituna Sask., granddaughter Stephanie Brookes (Joshua Hunt) of Saskatoon, Sask.
Keith was predeceased by his parents Stewart and Mary Pickell, brothers Cameron and Leonard Pickell and son-in-law Gordon Klassen.
Keith was born on May 11, 1928, in Hamiota, Mb, the family moved to Brandon when he was about 8 years old. In 1947 Keith began a 41 year career with the Manitoba Telephone System, retiring in 1988. In 1956 Keith married the love of his life Fran Wilson of Neepawa. During the telephone career they made their home in Brandon for 2 years, The Pas for four years, then moved to Portage la Prairie in 1961, where they still reside.
Keith was a loving husband and father and was a great fixer of all. There was hardly anything around the house and yard that couldn’t be repaired by his hands. Keith served five years on the School Board, as well as the Parks board. He was a life member of the Kinsman Club. As a Kinsman president he became involved in renovating a home that was to become Kin Glen. Kin Glen being named for Glen Lowther and Kinsmen. Keith remained active with this group for a number of years.
In earlier years the family spent many weekends and holidays at their cabin at Clear Lake RMNP, Mb. Then later started trailering throughout Canada and the USA. There were trips to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico then later as a snowbird, enjoyed over 23 years living in Pine to Palm Park in Weslaco, Texas.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lions Prairie Manor and the doctors at Portage District General Hospital for their care and compassion.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 1:00 pm at McKenzie United Church, led by Wilma Shirriff. A family interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Columbarium.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Keith’s memory to McKenzie United Church Memorial Fund, 85-11th St, NW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2S2 or to a charity of choice.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com