NIELSON, FATHER KEITH - The death of Father Keith Peter Nielsen occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at the Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, after a brief illness. Born on April 8, 1959 and raised in New Denmark, NB, Keith was the eldest of six children born to Allan Nielsen and the late Lina (Stiles) Nielsen. After attending local schools, he studied at the University of New Brunswick obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then earned the degree of Master of Science from the University of Manitoba. Keith then was admitted to the seminary for the Diocese of Saint John and was sent to the American College of the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium for his theological studies. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Saint John on July 11, 1991 in St. Dunstan's Church, Fredericton. After ordination he served for three years as Associate Pastor of St. Michael's Basilica Parish in Miramichi. He was then sent back to Louvain for graduate studies in Medical Ethics. Upon completion of a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, he returned to the Diocese and was appointed Administrator of St. Joachim’s Parish, Saint John. After four years at St. Joachim’s, he was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish, Bath and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Johnville. As well he was responsible for the missions of St. Bartholomew’s, Clearview, St. Anthony of Padua, Juniper and St. Leo’s, Florenceville. During these years, he also taught part-time in the Catholic Studies Program of St. Thomas University. In 2006, after six years of service in Carleton County, Keith began a sabbatical year of study in Denmark, the land of his ancestors. Upon return from sabbatical, he returned to St. Thomas University as Chaplain. After serving as Chaplain, Keith took a study leave to pursue one of his great passions, the culinary arts. He studied and apprenticed in New Brunswick and beyond, always returning to New Denmark in between assignments. It was from there that he was recently admitted to hospital where he died attended by his devoted family, friends and former parishioners. Keith was a man of great intellect, kind heart and a poetic soul. He was deeply loved by his family, his friends, his parishioners, his students and his co-workers. Keith is survived by his father Allan Nielsen of New Denmark and by five brothers and sisters and their families: Kent and Michele (Gray) Nielsen and their children Emily, Jakob, Erika and Lauren; Cheryl and Thomas Ashworth and their children Justin, Michael, Megan, Jordon and Jana; David and Kim (Clarke) Nielsen and their children Emma and Matthew; Nathan and Cathy (Pollock) Nielsen and children Chloe and Malcolm (with their mother Dyanne Brewer); Ellen and Scott Brownridge and their children Anna and Natalie, as well as two great-nieces and two great-nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Lana.
Cremation has taken place. Keith’s remains will rest in St. Leo’s Church, Florenceville on Friday, March 14 from 2 to 7 pm ending with Solemn Vespers presided by Bishop Robert Harris at 7 pm. His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Leo’s Church, Florenceville on Saturday at 11 am presided by Bishop Harris. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the Martin Kilfoil Foundation. Funeral arrangements are under the care of L. R. Giberson Funeral Directors. www.gibersonfuneraldirectors.ca (506) 392-1115