Our dear father and grandfather left us on January 4th, at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Born in Regina on January 12, 1932, to Fred and Janetta Brewis, Keith always took great pride in his Saskatchewan roots.
As a young man in the early 1950's, he ventured west on his way to California, and while stopping over in the Okanagan, he was enticed by an opportunity to play for an intermediate hockey team. Soon after, he met and married a local girl, Joan Rivett, and made his home in Vernon.
Over the past 70 years, Keith's unwavering dedication to his community has been exemplified through his passionate support of local sports, and his commitment to volunteerism. Encouraged by his father, he grew up playing a variety of sports, which kept him active through his senior years.
His love of hockey, as a fan and a player spanned most of his life, beginning as a boy playing in the Regina Parks League, and finishing as a member of the Vernon Old Timers Hockey Club. Keith was a daily "Early Bird" swimmer at the Rec Centre Pool for 35 years, and a competitive cross country skier, curler, and tri-athlete.
As the founder of the Vernon Kokanee Swim Club, he also played an instrumental role as a co-founder in the establishment of the North Okanagan Cross Country Ski Club, and Vernon's first slow pitch league. He coached competitive swimming, high school football, baseball, and minor hockey.
In 1988, Keith was thrilled to be chosen to run the Olympic Torch for 1km near Vernon, on its way to the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. And in 2012, he was honoured to be inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, as a "Builder", for his many contributions to sports.
Recognized not only for his significant impact on local sports, Keith was also awarded the "Vision of Vernon" award, and was named the 2005 Good Citizen of the Year, for his widespread contributions to his community.
Keith worked for BC Hydro for 33 years, and was active as a Power Pioneer in his retirement. He felt it was important to give back, and spent many hours volunteering for the Street Lunch Program, the Schubert Centre, and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital as a patient visitor.
As Joan used to say, Keith had the "gift of the gab", as he could easily strike up conversations with anyone he met, and often made new friends wherever he went. Affectionately called "Boo" by many of his friends and family, Keith cherished his memories of years past, and loved to share stories of his childhood summers in Regina Beach.
As a young boy, he would rush to grab a window seat for the 40 mile train ride across the prairie to what he referred to as "Paradise", where he and his friends would make "world class castles with our tin pails and wet sand", and watch the trains come into the station.
His stories from those days almost always included a rave about his family's visits to "Butler's Fish and Chips". Keith's deep connection to Saskatchewan remained with him always, and he was a self-described "rabid fan of the Roughriders" since 1944.
Keith had a creative side too, making homemade candles, carving burnt cedar sculptures and hooking rugs. He loved an adventure, making many road trips with Joan through the southwestern states, as well as trips to Hawaii, California and Europe. Keith cherished his long summers at the family cabin at "Rainbow Beach" on Shuswap Lake, where he could often be found flipping pancakes, or dancing on the deck to some favourite music.
Wearing his flowered sun hat, he kept himself busy with projects around the property, and always welcomed visitors with open arms. Most of all, Keith adored spending time with his grandkids, playing on the beach, diving off the swim dock, strolling to the store, making balloon animals and even doing dishes together.
A caring and devoted husband, Keith is now reunited with the love of his life, Joan, who passed away in 2018. He was also predeceased by his parents and brother Glen. Keith will be forever loved and missed by his family; son Bob (Claudia), daughter Bev, son Jeff (Valerie), sister-in-law Shirley, and grandchildren, Molly, Mya, Taylor, and Cole. As well as nephews Kerry and Craig, and nieces Karin and Kris.
Keith will be most remembered for his willingness to give a helping hand, his ability to lead with integrity, his care for others, and the love and devotion he showed his family and friends. He will live in our hearts forever, continuing to inspire us to be our best for others, to stay active, and to pursue our passions.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care shown by the staff at Canterbury Court, Interior Health Home Care and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Schubert Center or the BC Hydro Power Pioneers, in memory of Keith. Due to Covid19 safety protocols, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, and a virtual slideshow honouring Keith will be shared with family and friends. Condolences can be shared at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/vernon-bc/keith-brewis-9983624
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