KEITH, GEORGE LEONARD - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing on of George Leonard Keith, CLU, aged 87 of Saint John, on March 9, 2012. Beloved husband of 62 years, to the late Rita S.M Keith (Lewis), cherished father to his children, Sharon (Thomas - deceased) Wetmore, Bonnie (Brian) Belyea, Darlene Cromwell, all of Saint John, Elaine (Robert) Elkin of Grand Bay-Westfield and Cindi-Lee (Barry) Campbell of Morrisdale and Robert Keith, who pre-deceased him, grandchildren Kelli Wetmore, Keith Belyea, Krista (Belyea) Paris, Robyn (Cromwell) Maloney, Brandi (Cromwell) Lee, James Cromwell, Christopher Elkin, Bradford Elkin, Barrett Campbell and Brian Campbell, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, brothers Bernard (Marjorie) Keith, Reginald Keith, of Saint John, Bette (Claude/deceased) Forget of PQ, brother in law Gerald Beamish, predeceased by sister Hazel Beamish, brother William Keith, Robert (Pat) Keith, Ronald Keith, and parents Louis and Marjorie (Jenkins) Keith. A graduate of Saint John High School, George served on the RCAF during WWII. After several years with the Smith Brokerage, George was Branch Manager and Life Underwriter for Mutual Life of Canada for 39 years, retiring in 1992. While in this industry, he was Regional Vice President and Director of the Life Underwriters Association of Canada for NB, and President of the Life Manager’s Association & Life Underwriters of NB. An active member of Portland United Church, he served 25 years on the Session, 17 years as Cub Master, several years as Treasurer, as well as Chairman of the Trustee Board, and Committee of Stewards. He served as MLA for the City of Saint John, and President of the Saint John Progressive Conservative Association. Additional community work included Chairman of the Centracare Foundation & member of the Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Directors of the St Joseph’s Hospital and YMCA, President of the NB Protestant’s Orphanage Home, Past County Master and Past Master of the Loyal Orange Association, member of the Luxor Shrine, Uniformed Unit and founding member of the Luxor Motor Corp, Royal Order of Jesters, the Hybernia Masonic Lodge, and Royal Canadian Legion Branches 14 and 64. A lifelong resident of Saint John, George and Rita enjoyed trailering the Atlantic provinces and New England States, many summers at their cottage in Summerville, and retirement cottage in Cambridge Narrows. A sincere thank you to caregiver, Cheryl Belyea and also the Drs and Staff of the SJRH Dialysis Unit for their devoted care.
Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visitation on Monday, March 12th, from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 pm. The funeral service will take place at Portland United Church on Tuesday, March 13th at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow at the Church. A private interment will take place in the spring. Donations may be made to the SJRH Foundation-Dialysis Unit, St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Shriner’s Hospital, the donor’s church, or other charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com