Arthur "Bud" Redden Keith

Age 86 With heavy hearts, we wish to announce to passing of our dear father, grandfather, husband and brother, Arthur Redden Keith Jr, on Saturday, July 27, 2013. Surrounded by family, he passed away peacefully at the Oceanview Continuing Care Centre in Eastern Passage, NS.

Bud is survived by his wife, Sylvia (McMullin), daughters Jennifer (David Patrick), Airdrie, AB; Janet (Scott Eaton), Woodville, TX; son Greg (Lorraine), Dartmouth and sister Ann of Dartmouth. Brother and sisters-in-law Wini and Joe Poltz, Palm Springs, CA; Louis McMullin, Pasadena, CA; RoseAnn and Harry DeLorey; Canso ; Bernie and Joan McMullin Dartmouth and Claire (Tryggve Larsen), Aylesford. He had six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by parents Arthur and Irene (Robbins) and brother Stewart.

Bud was born in Halifax on May 25, 1927. He moved with his family to Annapolis Royal in 1947, where he resided for over 50 years. Bud went to work with his father as a manufacturer’s sales agent. He travelled Atlantic Canada selling furniture to stores for over 40 years and was a lifetime member of the Maritime Commercial Traveller’s Association. Bud always said he truly loved his job. He especially enjoyed the many friendships he made while on the road.

Bud was very athletic and loved all sports. In his youth, he played on the Halifax City Junior Hockey League, the Annapolis Tigers Hockey Team and with the Wingham Stainton Spitfires of Ontario. Bud was a member of the 1946 Saint Mary’s College High School football team that trounced the Montreal High School 27-7 in an exhibition game at the Wanderers grounds in Halifax. This game was later recognized by Saint Mary’s University for helping to lay the foundation for great football at the University and in Nova Scotia.

Bud was an avid golfer and was a member of both the Annapolis Royal and Digby Pines golf clubs for many years.

Bud was also creative. He designed two of the homes in which he lived. In his later years, he enjoyed being a craftsman. He spent many happy hours creating original artistic woodcrafts.

Most of all, Bud loved his family. He recently told someone that his greatest accomplishment was his three children. Having spent so much time away while his children were growing up, Bud especially cherished his relationships with his beloved grandchildren. His greatest good fortune was in marrying his wife, Sylvia. Together they recently celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. As his health and mobility declined, Sylvia was his nurse and constant companion, following him to Oceanview Continuing Care Centre so that they could remain together. Despite poor health in recent years, Bud never lost his love of life. He was always very appreciative of the help he received. Always a gentleman, he was kind and caring to the end.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to the staff at Oceanview Continuing Care Centre. Their tender care, compassion and professionalism have been overwhelming.

The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 31 at 11am at the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 320 Flying Cloud Drive, Dartmouth. Father Gordon MacLean officiating. A reception will follow. Interment will be held at a later date.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Oceanview Continuing Care Centre Foundation.

To view or place an online message of condolence please visit www.mattatallfuneralhome.com