Keith passed away peacefully on February 5th, after a long battle with cancer, at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood. Keith was in his 77th year. Beloved husband and best friend of Donna. Keith was predeceased by his sister Catherine Ruth Hein. Brother-in-law of Philippe Hein, Bill Yates (Dana), Ron Yates Jr. (David), proud uncle of Richard, Patrick, David, Alex, Ian, Sashie, Rylan, Ethan and Logan.

Keith was a kind and caring person who was interested in others, and always willing to listen. He had patience when interacting with his nephews and niece and always made time for them. Being an engineer, he was the best at packing the suitcases for travel, although he was so thorough there was no room for purchases to bring home! He did have a dry sense of humour that was bang on. He valued and maintained his friendships, especially those with whom he studied and graduated in Industrial Engineering in 1972.

Keith lived a full and active life, skiing and biking being two of his favorite activities, enhanced by his post-retirement move to Collingwood. He was extremely proud of achieving his CSIA Level 3 Instructor Certification Pin at age 54. He was a longtime member and ski instructor at the North Toronto Ski Club and developed many friendships there. Keith also taught at Blue Mountain Ski School for several years after retirement. He was a big fan of cat skiing and enjoyed 10 trips to Nelson, BC with a dedicated group of fellow ski enthusiasts, with the occasional heli-skiing thrown in. He also joined the Collingwood Cycling Club upon retirement and enjoyed road cycling, but mountain biking became his real preference, which he enjoyed tremendously.
Also, after his move to Collingwood, he was able to renew his passion for music. His Rickenbacker bass guitar was his pride and joy, and he played in two bands – Rosie and the OGs (OGs meaning old guys), and the Georgian Sound Big Band. He was able to perform in two concerts in September.

In his last days, he was superbly cared for by the staff at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood. They treated him with kindness, compassion, and dignity. Heartfelt thanks to them.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood or to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.

We invite Family & Friends to gather at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W. (One block East of Jane on the South side of Bloor) on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 from 3:00pm - 7:00pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Collingwood at a later date. Details to follow.