Jim Keats

It was with love in our hearts, that we said goodbye to Pa, Ervin James Keats on June 20, 2023, at the age of 87. Pa passed away peacefully holding Mom’s hand at the Sechelt Hospital.

Pa was born and raised in Saskatchewan, where he spent his early days on the farm, helping out in the fields, the garden and with the bees. As a young man he journeyed to the North West Territories for work. He then travelled to Grande Prairie around1958. He was said to have frequented a certain coffee shop where a good-looking gal caught his eye. Jim and Louise were married in 1965. Their two beautiful daughters arrived a few years later. Jim worked for Canfor at the Plywood plant for 30 years as a Journeyman Millwright. Pa was proud to be a part of the International Woodworkers of America Association.  Pa had a particular talent for fixing things that confounded others or finding solutions that reflected his creative mind.

Pa, in his free time enjoyed many activities with family and friends, playing cards, horseshoes, camping, travelling, curling, board and yard games. Pa was always happy to play a quick game of crib. Family and friends through these activities learned quickly of his mischievous competitiveness nature. His luck at cards would be equally met with a roll of his eyes or a big smile.

Pa was an accomplished woodworker, known to make various pieces of furniture that are still in his family’s homes today. He took pride and joy in creating. Pa demonstrated a level of innovation, and there seemed to be nothing he could not fix, create or design.

Pa had a forward thinkers mind and was very curious how things worked. He would often talk to us about some crazy idea only to see it become reality in a few years. He could often be found tinkering on something he had created in the shop.

Pa was generous in spirit and time and when living in Grande Prairie would often been seen out in the snow plow clearing the whole neighborhood sidewalks.

Pa was known for his love of fries, fish and chips, apple pie and cookies.

Jim leaves behind beloved wife Louise, daughters Hope, Nicole (Bruce), grandchildren Hayden, Caleb, Amaya and Dorian. Surviving sister Marina and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents Walter and Lena, and his three brothers, Frank, Russell and Murray.

Celebration of life ceremony for Jim will take place on September 9th, 2:00-4:00 at Harmony Hall, Gibsons, BC.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Sunshine Coast Health Care Auxiliary Gibsons branch, Memorial fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jim Keats, please visit our floral store.