It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Ashley Keeler on March 14, 2019 at the age of 46. Patrick is lovingly remembered by his mother Johnna Keeler, his daughter Veronica, and his family and many friends. Patrick was predeceased by his father Richard Don Keeler .
Patrick was born in Winnipeg Manitoba on April 26, 1972. His parents Richard and Johnna Keeler were excited to have their first child and celebrated alongside Grandparents John and Ann Lyzun and Bruce and Jean Keeler.
Patrick spent his early childhood growing up in St. Vital. He attended Minnetonka school from Kindergarten to grade 9. In his elementary years it was already evident he had a love and talent for music. His high school years were spent at Glenlawn Collegiate. Patrick participated fully in all aspects of the Glenlawn music program. He was a member of the concert and jazz bands, vocal group Take Five, and all of their musical productions.
Following high school in 1990 Patrick enrolled in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Winnipeg. The following year Patrick entered the school of Music at the University of Manitoba initially majoring on saxophone but later switching his major to composition . Patrick graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Music in 1995. Following the completion of his Bachelors degree Patrick attended the University of British Columbia graduating with a Masters of Music Composition in 1999. In 2002 Patrick received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba.
Following graduation Patrick had a successful career as a music teacher in various schools in Winnipeg. He began his teaching career at Tec Voc High School where he taught band and was responsible for the implementation of their music technology program. Patrick also taught at Westdale Jr. High and Charleswood Jr. High where he had large and outstanding band programs. In these schools Patrick had incredible support from colleagues, students, and the parent community. Patrick was known as a talented and caring teacher who was able to inspire his students to create beautiful music.
Patrick was a talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and sax player. From the time he was a teenager he was a member of a variety of different bands. These included Tasty Fish, The Flaming Perogies, Duck Shot Hunter, Tuesday’s Girl, and the Wedgewoods.
Patrick was a people person. His life intersected with others many ways over the years. He always showed an interest in others. He was a genuinely caring person who could strike up a conversation in any context. He was very intelligent and witty, a wealth of information and knowledge and really a fun person to be with.
The greatest treasure and joy of Patrick’s life was his daughter Veronica. Veronica entered his life on March 11, 2006. Veronica was Patrick’s little girl. He adored her and treasured the time he spent with her. Recently, he was spending time with her sharing his love and gifting as a guitar player; passing on the skill and craft to his Jellybean.
Patrick will be greatly missed by his family and his friends. Rest in Peace Patrick you will be forever remembered.
The service will be Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home.
If friends so desire donations may be made to a charity of their choice.
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