Dan was a wonderful person and patient teacher.  He inspired his students to love the natural world and to enjoy what they were doing in it.  Whenever you said goodbye to him in his office, he would always return with "have a good time!"  He reminded us that our chosen work should be fun too.  He spent many hours wandering the woods of New Brunswick enjoying the plants and wildlife.  He knew many birds by their songs.  He told stories of being chased round a tree by a moose in hot pursuit.  He took his students out in the spring evenings to hear woodcock displays, and taught those willing to be patient how to "sneak up " on woodcock.  He ran a multi-year project on red squirrel caching behaviour, which involved colouring the scales of cones and then digging them up after squirrels had hidden them in their middens for winter food.  He was patient that way.  His office door was always open, and in the evenings he had music and a soft light in there where he sat behind a potted tree and worked at his desk.  He taught by asking questions, just like Socrates.  Some of his courses did not involve written exams or tests, but he tested us orally, to see if we had absorbed and understood the papers he had given us to read.  His teaching methods were unusual, and some students got upset about his unpredictability.  However, some of us knew he was unique and will always remember him.  I am not the only one whose life was changed by Daniel Keppie.  
Dorothy Diamond

I am saddened to hear of Dan's passing. He enriched the experience of so many students at UBC, in both the classrooms and corridors. His deep appreciation and love for Nature were and inspiration. My condolences to his family and friends.

Hi Paula.  My condolences.  We shared good times when you and Dan were in Fredericton. Margaret passed two years ago.  It is hard. 

Lots of love. David Boyle

Dear Paula and Family,

It was a pleasure to have had Dan as a colleague and mentor when I first started at UNB. He was willing to show me around, include me in hikes and other adventures. I was sad when Dan retired. I will always remember his knack at asking those hard questions that not only made you think, but made you understand.  I took over Research Methods after he left, while I changed several aspects, I always tried to challenge students the way Keppie di.d

Pics of Cowboy Coffee making and cone/red squirrel work

I was deeply saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. I immediately began to think about the impact that he had not only on me, but the many hundreds of students that passed through UNB during his forty years.  His influence is immeasurable. In addition to teaching, Dan would always participate in extra-curricular forestry events and UNB student groups.  Among the most notable was his attendance on many adventures with the UNB Wildlife Society.  I was fortunate to have him for many of my undergraduate courses and later, a supervisor for my graduate thesis. To the family, please accept my deepest condolences.  Dan, thank you for introducing me to Sumac tea, teaching me the art of making Cowboy Coffee, giving me an appreciation for single malt Scotch, and reminding me to be always be curious.  Rest easy.

I’m sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. I got to know Dan when I was a MSc student 20 odd years ago.  My fondest memory of him was one evening, I was still at the university working on my thesis and Dan burst into my office and asked “wanna go woodcocking?!”   I had no idea what it was but said yes- I had to see what had him so excited! We had so much fun running around an opening in a wood lot chasing woodcocks.  That night will be etched into brain forever.  It is one of my favourite stories to tell my students at Trent University! He was a legend.

Dr. Keppie was was one of my favourite profs and mentor.  He always had an interesting wildlife story! And he led me on one of my most terrifying tasks - presenting to middle school kids!

Great memories. Dr. Keppie - you will be missed.

Korina Houghton 
UNB Forestry Class of 1993

Dan Keppie was a great influence on me and my career. I was a forestry undergrad at UNB from 1988 to 1993, and I worked closely with him one summer as his summer student, developing grouse population models, travelling to various parts of New Brunswick, and conducting woodcock and grouse flutter surveys. We'd sit in the lab during some evenings listening to Pachabel's canon (endlessly, I think it was the only piece of music he listened to). I still think of him regularly. One of the most influential professors that I had throughout my undergraduate and graduate career.

I am sad to learn of Dan's passing. He was one of my instructors at UNB and supervisor for my undergraduate thesis. His classes were among my most favourite and Dan was an inspiring and thought-provoking teacher. We kept in touch for a few years after I graduated and moved west, but I eventually lost contact.  I regret that we didn't cross paths after his retirement. I'm sure we could have had some great conversations. "I would submit that...." he will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Daniel MacKenzie Keppie IV

31 octobre 1944 – 14 mars 2026

Arch L. Heady and Son - Cralle Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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