ATHOL - Keith C. Phinney, 73, of 486 Fredette St., died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Athol Hospital following an illness.
Keith was born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada on June 22, 1940, the son of Russell and Isabelle (Anderson) Phinney.
He grew up in Sackville and attended schools in Aulac, New Brunswick and has resided in Athol since 1965. Keith worked for the L.S. Starrett Company until his retirement in 2003 and had formerly worked for the Union Twist Drill.
He served in the Canadian Army Guard from 1957 until 1960 and was stationed at Camp Petawawa in Ontario.
Keith enjoyed spending time at his cottage in New Brunswick, camping, traveling, especially cruises and loved going to the casino. He was a very capable person and could accomplish any type of project. He loved visiting with people and could easily talk on any subject.
Keith leaves his wife of 11 years, Joyce M. (Merikanto) Phinney; five sisters, Lottie, Louise, Judy, Donna and Barbara and a brother Robert, all of Canada; two grandchildren, Solveig Eriksen of Springfield and Stefan Eriksen of Ludlow; a great-grandson, Cameron Eriksen; his son-in-law, Erik Eriksen of Ludlow; his step-children, Sara Hess of East Providence, R.I. and Matt Dowaliby of Boston and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Katherine Eriksen; four brothers, Lloyd, Gerald, Roderick and Douglas and two sisters, Dorothy and Alberta.
At Keith's request no formal funeral services are planned. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to make a contribution in Keith's name may send it to the Athol Congregational Church, Book of Memory, 1225 Chestnut St., Athol, Mass. 01331 or to the Athol Hospital, 2033 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331.
Higgins-O'Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements.
For further information or to share a memory with the family go to www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.