Obituary of Keith McLeod

McLEOD: It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Keith on Friday, July 20, 2012, surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with lung cancer at the age of 61. Survived by his loving wife of 39 years Brenda, son Christopher (Jody), daughter Trisha (Geoff) Paterson, granddaughters Rylee and Easton Paterson and Gemma McLeod, dad and mother Angus and Dorothy, brother Wayne (Marion), sisters-in-law Joyce Castle, Elaine Lelond, Linda (Blaine) Wakefield, brothers-in-law Bill (Cathy) Stephens and Dale (Carla) Stephens. Numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins also survive. George Angus Keith was born in Deloraine, Manitoba, on July 16, 1951, moving to Brandon in 1956. He did his schooling in Brandon, graduating from Vincent Massey in 1969. Keith joined the Brandon Police Department on November 16, 1970, transferring to the Fire Department in the fall of 1979. In the early years, shift work allowed Keith to explore his entrepreneurial side by first working with his Dad and Uncle Jack at Trail King Ltd., then owning Green Acres Painting & Sandblasting and being a partner in Clarks Septic Service with brother, Wayne. Keith met Brenda Stephens in 1970 and they were married on September 16, 1972, and this year would have been their 40th wedding anniversary. Together they had two children, Chris and Trisha. Trisha met Geoff, Chris met Jody and then along came the lights of his life, his granddaughters, Rylee, Easton and Gemma. He loved being "Grampy" to his granddaughters. Keith purchased Lone Star Rentals in December 1985 and it went through several changes over the years. Being a U-Haul Dealer for 26 years was Keith's passion. He had a good rapport with U-Haul customers, other dealers and Head Office staff. We took on the Arctic Cat dealership in 1992 and stayed at it for 10 years. It was a tough industry, but Keith was always positive and enjoyed the sport of snowmobiling with family and friends. Keith worked along side "Doc" Trollope for many years doing oil changes, mechanical and small engine repairs. Lone Star had a loyal following of customers. Keith got along well with them as well as numerous sales and parts reps forging many lasting friendships along the way. The Shop was a family meeting place, where he worked side by side with Brenda for 25 years. Friends and family always knew that if you were looking for Keith, the Shop was the first place to look. Keith was blessed with a very strong work ethic and worked hard. The long hours still allowed him to enjoy time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed broomball in the winter, slo-pitch and the occasional game of golf in the summer. Being his own boss also allowed him the time and place to work on his Volkswagen. Keith was a quiet, thoughtful and easygoing man with a keen sense of humor and a lot of patience. Keith's journey with Lung Cancer began the week following his 60th birthday in July 2011 and he faced it with strength and dignity until the end. The Memorial Service will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating. Donations in memory of Keith may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Palliative Care Unit", 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or CancerCare Manitoba, 1160 –675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.