Obituary of Keith McCallum

McCALLUM: With great sadness we announce the very sudden passing of our beloved husband and father, Keith McCallum, on November 9, 2013, one week before his 76th birthday. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Isabelle, and his only brother, Dunc. Keith leaves to mourn and cherish his memory: his wife of 53 years, Gloria, son Brent (Donna), daughters Jodi (David), and Kellie (Scott), sisters-in-law Carol Kezin and Cheryl McCallum, and several nieces and nephews. Keith was born in Flin Flon, MB on November 17, 1937 and the family moved to Brandon in 1941, where he spent his school years and began his retail career in 1957, working for Woolworths. After Keith and Gloria married in 1960, he managed several Woolworth stores in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, ending up in Flin Flon. He and the family returned to Brandon in 1964 where they purchased a jewellery store. Keith was proud to be a local business owner and frequent supporter of community events. He was also President of the Manitoba Jewellers Association. Six years ago, after 43 years at the helm of McCallum Jewellers, Keith and Gloria retired. He was an avid hockey fan and was once part owner of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Keith managed the Brandon Olympics hockey team for several years, and the Brandon Pioneer Oldtimers for 17 seasons. Many special friendships and wonderful memories were created during those years. Keith was once a member of the Kinsmen clubs of Flin Flon and Brandon, and the Brandon Gun Club. He was also a board member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, and was recognized by them for his contributions to the Brandon Wheat Kings. Keith and Gloria enjoyed many memorable trips with family and friends. He loved to golf and to get away from the cold winter. Arizona became their winter home for the last 18 years. He will be sorely missed by his family and many wonderful friends. A Service of Remembrance to honour Keith's life will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Kim Lewarne, Certified Funeral Celebrant, officiating. A private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice.