MCCURDY, Keith
Posted: June 26th, 2021
McCURDY
KEITH GORDON MCCURDY passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on Friday, June 18, 2021 following a brief illness. Keith was surrounded by love as his wife, Joyce, children Stacey, Cindy, Darlene, and Michael held vigil.
Left to carry on traditions and cherish memories are Keith’s wife of 60 years, Joyce; his daughters, Stacey Waterfield, Cindy (Gary) Sturgeon and Darlene (Darin) Sjonger and son Michael; grandchildren, Teresa Waterfield, Danielle (Andrew) Kostyniuk, Amanda (Braedon) Waterfield, Jamie (Kevin) Sturgeon, Wesley Sturgeon and Brett Sturgeon; and great granddaughter, Emily (and her mother, Lisa Ry). Waiting to greet Keith are his parents, Emma and Gordon McCurdy and son-in-law, Merle Waterfield.
Keith was born in Lampman, Saskatchewan on December 4, 1937, son of Emma Elizabeth (Luterbach) and Gordon Richard McCurdy. He attended school in Browning and Lampman, Saskatchewan. A persuasive principal convinced Keith’s parents that he should go to university before returning to farm. After attending the University of Saskatchewan and earning BA and MA degrees, it was obvious he would not become a farmer. Keith married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Elizabeth Lindsay, on November 12, 1960. Keith and Joyce moved to Ottawa, where they added daughter Stacey Lynne (1962) and a PhD from the University of Ottawa (1963). Keith was appointed to the Chemistry Department at the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph (he was a founding faculty member), where they added daughters Cynthia Lee (1963) and Darlene Anne (1965) to their family. Keith and Joyce jumped at the chance to move back west, where he was appointed to the University of Lethbridge in 1967, a founding faculty member! Michael Keith was born in 1971 to complete the family. A sabbatical to the Netherlands in 1972 meant that Keith was able to explore research interests as well as introduce his family to other cultures and history for a year.
Keith’s 30 year career with the University included a second sabbatical, many administrative positions as department head of chemistry, acting dean of arts and sciences, and dean of student affairs. Keith and Joyce traveled extensively both as representatives of the U of L and personally as husband and wife. Many trips involved family. A highlight for them was visiting the Saskatoon Clan at school year end and bringing granddaughters Teresa, Danielle, and Amanda back to Lethbridge for adventures such as Frank Slide, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, and Birds of Prey. Retiring in 1997, Keith was able to enjoy time with Joyce, their four children and their growing families. He was also able to spend time fishing, gardening, running, golfing, curling, camping, playing tennis and badminton.
At Keith’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Friends,
I extend my sincere condolences – Keith was a great contributor to our university and our community.
We were neighbors, as we also moved to Lethbridge with the UL commencing on the college campus, and my father, Joe Rood, was also a founding member – in Physics. I was much younger but remember a friendly neighborhood – and even playing table-top hockey at Keith’s home.
I was then pleased to join the UL faculty and renew the interactions with Keith – I was a few doors down, in Biology. I remember Keith as generous and thoughtful, and he maintained a healthier balance than some (or many) faculty, with work, family and friends, and other activities. I later lost track as I’d moved out of the neighborhood and Keith retired.
I extend very best wishes to Keith’s family and friends – he lives on.
Exemplary!
Stewart Rood
I am sorry to hear of Prof. McCurdy’s passing. He was a respected senior colleague, an able administrator and a good man.
GLC
Psych and Neuroscience
Sincere condolences to Joyce and all of your family. Keith was my colleague, my Dean, and a friend who was one of only a few I could talk about experimental thermodynamics with at Lethbridge. His leadership and work ethic were examples to us all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andy Hakin
President & Vice-Chancellor
St. Francis Xavier University
I am so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Keith was very influential in my career as a student affairs professional – I am so grateful Keith saw potential in me while he was Dean of Student Affairs, he was also an important mentor during the early part of my career at the University of Lethbridge. I greatly appreciated Keith’s support, guidance and the kindness that he showed to me. Keith was dedicated to providing opportunities to students and ensuring they had the supports they required to be successful in their studies. My deepest sympathy to Joyce and all of Keith’s family.
Keith was Dean of Student Affairs when I became Registrar. He always had a ready smile, time for a chat, and compassion for students. That said, he was also perceptive, balanced, and both tough and fair. As the senior academic administrator in the Registrar’s Office and Student Services, he provided quiet leadership, mentorship, and friendship. My condolences to all Keith’s family.