Visitation
Obituary of Connel Reece Keith
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Connel Reece Keith which occurred on November 24 at the Kiwanis Nursing home. In his 74th year, he left us peacefully while battling with the fast and aggressive vascular dementia.
Connel is survived by his children Cory Keith (Sandra) of Saint John, Darren Keith of Apohaqui, Christopher Keith of Kingston, ON, and Dianna Swityk (Dean) of St. Paul, AB. Connel was a loving and caring Grampy to Hayden, Ava, and Anson.
He was predeceased by his parents Winston and Bernice Keith of Lower Ridge, and his siblings Reginald, Ralph, Pauline, and Ann. He will live on in the hearts and memories of his brothers Malcolm, Arthur, Robin, and sister Eileen.
Connel obtained his Plumbing and Pipefitting Certification at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and then began a successful career of 45 years as Keith Plumbing Service in Sussex and surrounding area.
Connel volunteered many hours to community sports in Sussex. His passion for leadership was evident over two decades as he held many different responsibilities such as President of Sussex Minor Baseball, Regional Commissioner of Southern NB Baseball, National Coaching Certification Program (Baseball and Hockey), Baseball Officiator.
Connel had an excitement for Curling. He played recreationally and often competitively as he travelled to various bonspiels provincially. Amongst many of his notable achievements was the 2017 Buttermilk Bonspiel Classic Championship.
Connel served 13 years in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve with B Squadron, the 8th Canadian Hussars (PL), retiring as a Warrant Officer. A notable moment for him was during the 1980 National Armed Forces shooting competition, taking part in both FNC2 and FNC1 rifle teams who won national trophies of behalf of the Atlantic Canadian Militia team.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a visitation will take place on Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00PM. Donations in memory of Connel may be made to the Sussex Area Community Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com
