He is survived by his wife Pearl, children Mark (Madeleine), Garry (Heidi), Moana (John) Urry, Lani (Rakaipaka) Puriri, Robert, Paul, and his sister Estelle.
He was proud of his 23 grandchildren and his 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ellsworth and Monte, his sisters Lenore, Wyora, Leatrice, and Elaine, grandson Adam, and great-grandchildren Tyler and Tatum.
Keith served in the Royal Canadian Navy (HMCS) during World War II. He was well loved and respected by his shipmates who admiringly referred to him as “the Preacher.” After returning from serving his country, he attended Brigham Young University. It was during this time that he decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve among the people of New Zealand including his beloved Maori people, an experience that would profoundly change his life and the life of his family forever. He grew to greatly love the people and the culture, and although he returned home in 1953, a large part of his heart never left. Upon his return, he met Pearl LaVon Ofgren on a blind date (to quote him, “she’s been blind ever since”). They were married on February 11, 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised their 6 children in Utah, Idaho, and finally settled in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
At the age of 13, the value of hard work was instilled in Keith when his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise 8 children. The family received $1,000 from his father’s life insurance policy and ultimately lost the family farm. It is because of this financial hardship that Keith chose to pursue a profession as a life insurance salesman—he wanted to help people to help themselves and to take care of their families. It wasn’t just a profession to him, he was genuine and vigilant in caring for his clients.
Keith passed on the value of hard work to his children as they worked together in the home, the family garden and serving in the church. He was organized and a perfectionist from an early age, but this didn’t keep him from being spontaneous and enjoying life with his family. He loved to joke and tease, and he was known to squirt water through his teeth at the dinner table with expert precision. He loved good music--whether he was playing it on his harmonica, listening to it on a CD, or dancing with his children. In his later years, he was even known to set aside his cane and join impromptu dance parties with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Keith was a very humble man. He deeply loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, a love that was gained through his consistent and devoted study of the scriptures. He always enjoyed a good gospel discussion. His greatest possession was his unshakeable testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his greatest joy was sharing that with his family.
Kia Kaha Te Mahi, be strong in the work. Aroha Nui, much love, until we meet again.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 2675 E. Mt. Jordan Rd., Sandy Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning prior to the services. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, Utah.
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