Review the content on this page, then click the PRINT NOW button on the right to print
Click here to return to the obit listing.

Cockerill

1939 - 2020

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Cockerill(2020)

Keith Campbell Cockerill born on July 20, 1939, beloved husband of 60 years and soul mate of Vina Frances Cockerill (nee Crudden) passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the age of 81 years.

Along with his wife, Vina, Keith will be fondly remembered by his three surviving children, Kerry, Bonnie (David), Shawn (Nola) and he will be reunited with his youngest son, Shane; four grandchildren, Darnell, Miranda, Gage and Brody; five great-grandchildren, Hunter, Mikayla, Dryden, Ivy and Dexia; brother-in-law, Garry Crudden as well as his nephew, Dustin. Keith was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Nora Cockerill; youngest son, Shane; seven brothers and two sisters.

Keith held many jobs in his busy life, from working underground in the northern community of Lynn Lake, working as a mechanic and welder, and building homes to being a surface foreman in the gold mine in the northern community of Puffy Lake, Manitoba. Keith also owned his own welding business, “K.C.’s Welding”. Many of the jobs were in the north where both Keith and Vina loved living and raising their children. He was very particular in all of the things that he did, particularly in his crafts, which kept him busy in his retirement years. Keith’s favourite craft was a “Cross in my Pocket” which he lovingly made and distributed freely at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. He received many orders from families, who wanted to give them as gifts to their family members.

Keith loved to whittle and following in his father, Charles’ “Blue” footsteps, he whittled a wooden three foot chain, in which the links were unbroken. At the end of each chain there was a birdcage which had four corner posts and a small ball inside that was free rolling. He made one for each of his four children which to date they fondly treasure. Keith won first prize with this chain at the Medicine Hat Stampede along with prizes for his entries in wood burning, particularly the one on a stock of a black powder rifle which he put together from a kit.

Wooden Chain

His Christian values were above reproach and he was very active in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, an usher during Mass and held memberships in other clubs within the Church.

OUR FAMILY CHAIN

We knew little that morning, that God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we’ll do the same,

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You leave us peaceful memories, your love will be our guide,

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain has broken, and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

The private family Funeral Service will be celebrated at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. with Deacon Terry Olson officiating. Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions, the Funeral Service will be live-streamed on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. (MST). To experience the service, please visit our website at www.cooksouthland.com and click the View Broadcast Button on the homepage.



 

  1. Bob and Linda byle:
    Dec 03, 2020 at 09:42 PM

    We are so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. When I think of him I think of all that talent he was a true gentleman and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our love to you all and especially you vina

  2. Bill & Cindy Cockerill:
    Dec 04, 2020 at 12:06 PM

    We are very sorry to hear of Uncle Keith’s passing ❤️
    Our hearts and thoughts are with you Auntie Vina, may he Rest In Peace

  3. Jeanne Rice:
    Dec 04, 2020 at 08:17 PM

    Vina, i am so sad to hear of Keith’s passing. I very much enjoyed our visits when you two came in to the church. He will be missed by so many. You are in my prayers.

  4. Cathy Smith:
    Dec 04, 2020 at 08:25 PM

    Oh my Vina I am so shocked and sorry to hear of the death of Keith. What a great man he was.
    He was an empathetic soul. Oh I know you will miss him. St. Patrick's church will miss him too.
    May the angels take him to the loving arms of Our Father in heaven. May the angels surround you Vina and family as you grieve this great loss. God go with you.

  5. Gordon and Elaine Rice Craig and Jeanne Rice:
    Dec 04, 2020 at 08:40 PM

    So sorry for your loss Vina
    Keith was a wonderful neighbour, always friendly and ready to put aside his activity to chat; very much appreciated and will be missed

  6. Charlene Syverson (CIBC - Retired):
    Dec 05, 2020 at 10:11 AM

    Vina, Kerry and families. I am so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. May fond memories of Keith bring you comfort during this hard time. My heart and prayers go out to you and your families.

  7. Wendy McOmber and Stan Schwartzenberger:
    Dec 05, 2020 at 07:42 PM

    Dear Vina:
    We were saddened to read of Keith's passing. When we were new Parishioners to St. Patrick's Parish he was one of the first people to meet us and make sure that we felt welcome. Wherever we ran into him - at the Parish, around town or cheering on his Medicine Hat Tigers at the Arena he always had a smile and a kind word. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Sincerely,
    Stan and Wendy

  8. Doreen Getz:
    Dec 06, 2020 at 12:13 AM

    Dear Vina & family,
    So sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Hold fast to the memories and treasure the time you had with him. My deepest sympathies. God Bless.

  9. Barry and Margaret Cockerill:
    Dec 06, 2020 at 07:13 AM

    Auntie Vina, we are very sorry to hear of Uncle Keith’s passing ❤️
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  10. Harvey and Dianna Frey:
    Dec 06, 2020 at 11:24 AM

    Vina, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Keith was a kind, gentle, compassionate and giving individual. Always ready to serve and help wherever possible. Our parish will certainly miss his presence. Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
    Sincerely, Harvey & Dianna Frey

  11. LOUISE DAVEY:
    Dec 06, 2020 at 11:49 AM

    To Vina and family
    We are so sorry to hear about Keith's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers

    Louise & Ed Davey and family

  12. Donna & Ken Myslichuk:
    Dec 06, 2020 at 05:36 PM

    Dear Auntie Vina and family, we are sorry to hear about Uncle Keith passing. we have many fond memories of him. Our prayers are with you.

  13. Shannon Ludwig:
    Dec 06, 2020 at 08:10 PM

    I was very saddened to hear the news of Keith's passing My heartfelt condolences to you Vina, Kerry, Bonnie, Shawn and your families. May your precious memories of him comfort you in the days ahead.

  14. Pam and Ed Tycholaz:
    Dec 07, 2020 at 01:45 AM

    Vina and family, Ed and I are so sorry for your loss. Keith was a great guy. You are in my prayers.

  15. Joyce and Bert Cockerill:
    Dec 07, 2020 at 09:52 AM

    So sorry Vina and family. We think of many things that Keith did as a child on the farm and throughout his life. He was very talented as others have said. Take care. Love you

  16. Del and Gunter Hildebandt:
    Dec 07, 2020 at 10:52 AM

    Vina,
    Our sincere sympathy to you and the family on the loss of Keith. Remember you all from the Lynn Lake years.

  17. Kathy Bastiaanssen:
    Dec 07, 2020 at 10:59 AM

    So very sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your family during this time. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him and fondly remembered by those he knew.

  18. Barbara Boycey:
    Dec 07, 2020 at 01:27 PM

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to you Vina and family. May Keith rest gently in gods arms.

  19. Barbara Boycey:
    Dec 07, 2020 at 01:27 PM

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Vina and family. May Keith rest gently in God's arms.

  20. Rob and Margaret Stroh:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 02:13 AM

    Vina and family: we were very saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. We have many fond memories of you and Keith at church, and know he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you in your sorrow.

  21. Clarence & Barb McParland:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 01:35 PM

    Vina,
    You and your family are in our prayers during this difficult time. Keith was a good man.

    Clare & Barb

  22. Josephine Miller:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 01:55 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Kerry, Vina & family

  23. Eldon and Judi Prier:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 03:23 PM

    Our heart's are with you all at this time of unexpected sorrow. Eldie has many memories of the time Uncle Kieth spent with his family in the 50's. We have all loved his calm playful personality through the many years. There are no real words that can convey the devastation of your loss Aunty Vina, and to Kerry, Bonnie, Shawn and your families. He will be greatly missed by many his life has touched.

  24. Harold and Grace Phillips:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 03:33 PM

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  25. Gloria Reppnack:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 04:40 PM

    You are in my thoughts and prayers, now and in the days ahead. God grant you strength in your sorrow.
    - Love, Gloria Reppnack

  26. Tony and Pat Didychuk:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 04:42 PM

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We just joined you in watching the service for Keith. It was a truly heartfelt service. God Bless you all!

  27. wendy east:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 05:04 PM

    Deepest sympathy Vina! It is so hard to lose our beloved husbands after so many years! I have lost mine too!😪😪😪. Thoughts & prayers are with you!😪❤️

  28. Jim Darlene:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 05:07 PM

    So sorry to hear about Keith. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Vina and family.
    Jim and Darlene

  29. Helen Cockerill:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 06:54 PM

    So sorry to hear about Keith passing.
    Our sincere condolences to the family' Vina, Kerry and Shawn and Bonnie,
    All our love to you all.
    Bud and Helen

  30. Noella Porath:
    Dec 08, 2020 at 07:42 PM

    Vina & Family, My Sincere Sympathy, on the passing of your beloved Husband, You will all be in My Prayers

  31. Arthur and veronica crudden:
    Feb 01, 2021 at 11:02 AM

    Dear Vina and family. So sorry for your loss; being so sudden Keith’s passing must have come as a terrible shock. It’s comforting to know you have your daughter Kerry with you and you might not feel lonely. God Bless. Take Care. From Arthur and Veronica in Ireland.