On November 17, 2020 at Grand River Hospital, surrounded by family. He was an incredible husband to Pam, and a devoted dad to Danika and Kataryna. Beloved son of Cecil and Wendy Sigvaldason, brother of Wade (Merrilee) and Brandy (Bill), uncle of Brooke (Brendan), Kirsten, Leif, Bryce, Brielle and Brayden, and honourary member of Pam’s family, aka the “Girls Club”, with Susan (Al), Tanya, Debra (Nick), Toni, Dakota, Lucille, Mckayla and Brooklyn.
Keith was born in Edmonton, Alberta and spent many of his early years in Stony Plain, Alberta and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories before moving to Winnipeg and then Bird’s Hill, Manitoba. In 2003, a week after their wedding, Keith and his new bride, Pam, moved to Kitchener, Ontario.
Keith’s unassuming and even keeled temperament obscured his fighter instincts. He wrestled with cancer in his childhood and proudly wore his battle scars. When questioned about them, his favourite reply was “You should see the other guy”. He often pushed the limits of those he loved with a smirk on his face, knowing that he would easily return to their good graces with his exceptional charm and charisma. Many stories told across a kitchen table about Keith involve his antics; teasing and poking at the ones he loved, or the incredibly lucky breaks that came his way while he was out looking for trouble with his brother or his friends.
Keith was fortunate to have three of the best friends anyone could ask for. Kevin Rebeck, Scott Mullen, and Don Woligroski often spent time together with Keith virtually, despite living thousands of kilometers apart. It was unwise to try to postpone their regular Sunday night games, whether there were babies, chores, demanding wives and girlfriends, or Game of Thrones finales to contend with. The boys were often planning their next visit or adventure together with driving trips across the prairie provinces, into the USA, or around Ontario.
Keith was a loving and devoted dad. Danika and Kataryna were the lights of his life. His devotion and support gave them the confidence to succeed in their activities and schooling. Many Saturday afternoons he could be found with Kataryna binge watching TV shows or movie marathons. He was supportive of all of Danika’s interests and enjoyed watching her blossom into the sociable, funny girl she is. His biggest regret was not being able to get to know the remarkable women they will become.
He was an amazing husband. Together, he and Pam grew and fell deeper in love with every passing year. The move to Ontario, finding their way in a new town, raising twin babies into twin pre-teens, and winding their way through work opportunities solidified their marriage and their partnership. His thoughtfulness and kindness were often enveloped in attempts to surprise her, and his patience for just the right time to reveal the surprise was impeccable.
There will be a hole in the hearts of people all over North America with his passing. He will be sorely missed and forever loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand River Hospital Foundation or Canadian Blood Services. Private Family Service will be held, please contact the family for the streaming link to join online.
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