KEITH COCKERILL
Posted: December 7th, 2020
July 20, 1939 ~ December 3, 2020
Keith Campbell Cockerill born on July 20, 1939, beloved husband of 60 years and soul mate of Vina Frances Cockerill (nee Crudden) passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the age of 81 years.
Along with his wife, Vina, Keith will be fondly remembered by his three surviving children, Kerry, Bonnie (David), Shawn (Nola) and he will be reunited with his youngest son, Shane; four grandchildren, Darnell, Miranda, Gage and Brody; five great-grandchildren, Hunter, Mikayla, Dryden, Ivy and Dexia; brother-in-law, Garry Crudden as well as his nephew, Dustin. Keith was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Nora Cockerill; youngest son, Shane; seven brothers and two sisters.
Keith held many jobs in his busy life, from working underground in the northern community of Lynn Lake, working as a mechanic and welder, and building homes to being a surface foreman in the gold mine in the northern community of Puffy Lake, Manitoba. Keith also owned his own welding business, “K.C.’s Welding”. Many of the jobs were in the north where both Keith and Vina loved living and raising their children. He was very particular in all of the things that he did, particularly in his crafts, which kept him busy in his retirement years. Keith’s favourite craft was a “Cross in my Pocket” which he lovingly made and distributed freely at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. He received many orders from families, who wanted to give them as gifts to their family members.
Keith loved to whittle and following in his father, Charles’ “Blue” footsteps, he whittled a wooden three foot chain, in which the links were unbroken. At the end of each chain there was a birdcage which had four corner posts and a small ball inside that was free rolling. He made one for each of his four children which to date they fondly treasure. Keith won first prize with this chain at the Medicine Hat Stampede along with prizes for his entries in wood burning, particularly the one on a stock of a black powder rifle which he put together from a kit.
Wooden Chain
His Christian values were above reproach and he was very active in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, an usher during Mass and held memberships in other clubs within the Church.
OUR FAMILY CHAIN
We knew little that morning, that God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly, in death we’ll do the same,
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You leave us peaceful memories, your love will be our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain has broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
The private family Funeral Service will be celebrated at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. with Deacon Terry Olson officiating. Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions, the Funeral Service will be live-streamed on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. (MST). To experience the service, please visit our website at www.cooksouthland.com and click the View Broadcast Button on the homepage. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com). Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”