Robert (Mickey) Allan KEELEY

Robert Allan (Mickey) Keeley

July 1, 1929 – March 6, 2018

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mickey Keeley. He passed peacefully at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni B.C. after a lengthy battle with dementia.

Predeceased by his parents Clarence and Helen Keeley, first wife Peggy (1980), first of twin daughters Carol, great granddaughter Makayla, younger sister Vivian and brothers Bill, Cliff, George and Earl, Mickey is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife Mary Katherine, eldest sister Gladys Cole, his children, second of twin daughters Karen, sons Bob (Nancy), Mike (Donna), 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, brother in law Vince (Joan) Sorley, and many nieces, nephews and long-time friends including Harry and Nancy Rai and their family.

He will also be fondly remembered and missed by Katherine's children, Gerry Jr., Barb (Doug), Paul (Michele), Jeff (Michelle), Michele (Bert) and Katherine's grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mickey was born in Kamloops BC and as a young man he worked at a cattle ranch in BC's Cariboo Country, hoping to make that area his home. Fate intervened and after meeting and marrying his first wife Peggy, they settled in Vancouver where they raised their four children surrounded by family and many friends.

In his early years, Mickey played semi-pro baseball and aspired to have a sports career but family life intervened. He worked at Lignum Sawmill in Williams Lake, BC in the early 1950s and then returned to Vancouver, working for Crown Cartage, Arrow Transfer and Johnston Terminals. While driving in Vancouver he met Harry Rai and was offered a chance to work on Vancouver Island. With the kids being grown, Mickey and Peggy moved to Port Alberni in 1975 and he started work with Coulson Logging. Before Peggy's passing in 1980 they enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing.

In 1989, while on a golf vacation in Arizona, Mick was introduced to Mary Katherine by mutual friends. After he retired in 1992, they were married in 1994 and spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona. Mick golfed and Mary Katherine enjoyed the sun in the company of many old and newly found friends. Together they enjoyed making their favorite dishes for countless gatherings and spent many happy hours with fellow "snow birds".

Mickey was an avid bowler and golfer, winning many tournaments and trophies over the years, culminating his love for golf with a lifetime membership at the Alberni Golf Club.

For Mickey, life was all about cherished relationships and the value of teamwork, believing many hands lighten the load. He was always there with an offer to help. Despite losing his precious memories to dementia these past few years, Mick’s infectious smile, quiet and gentle nature and love of family will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to workers at Trillium Lodge, Fir Park Village and to the staff at West Coast General Hospital for Mick’s extended care. Kathy would personally like to thank and send her gratitude to all nurses, care aids and especially Dr.Lund and Dr. Mohammed Ali for their compassion and care during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 12:00pm - 2:30pm in the downstairs Church hall at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 4731 Burke Road, Port Alberni, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Society of B.C. or Kidsport B.C.