Mark Richard Keddy

Mark was born on April 9, 1944 in Kelowna, BC to Cecil Keddy and Signe Anseth. Cecil's parents ancestry was Scottish, English, German & French. Signe's mother came from Sweden and her father from Norway. They married in 1939, lived in Kelowna and worked in the orchards. Their 2 sons, Mark and Terry were born in Kelowna. They moved to Sicamous in 1950 where Cecil built their house and they stayed until 1986 when they joined Terry, Linda and Tyler in Kelowna. 

In 1984 Mark decided to relieve his aging parents of the responsibility of his care by requesting a room in a long term care facility in Quesnel, BC. He lived there until 2002 when he too moved to Kelowna to “Sun Pointe Village” care center. In 2007 the remaining family moved back to Montreal. Mark lived at “Bayview Centre” in Pointe Claire until 2012 when the family moved to Hawkesbury ON. Mark lived at Prescott-Russell Care until his death, August 22, 2024 at the age of 80. 

Mark was affected with Cerebral Palsy following a very difficult instrument birth. As a baby, although very bright and happy, he had various motor problems with speech, sitting up and the use of his feet and hands. He crawled but could not stand or walk. At the age of 6, he and Signe traveled with her brother to the Milton Berry centre in California where Mark received special training, therapy and supportive braces. He later recieved additional support during a 6 month stay at the G.F. Strong facility in Vancouver. 

To help him. Signe taught him grades 1 & 2 at home in Sicamous and then, thanks to a brave teacher named Diane Vallister, Mark was accepted into the public school system. In Terry's company, he finished grades 6-12 and Graduated! Mark pursued his education at home, avidly reading the Books of Knowledge, books about Birds, Geography, Nature, etc. He purchased the Encyclopedia Brittanica and read a large part of that! Above all else, he found delight reading God's Word, The Bible. 

With the aid of an electric typewriter and later a computer he wrote a diary, many accounts of his life, travels and interests. He also wrote letters to friends, family and other Bible students. He loved music, good food and laughter. He wasn't very interested in stories, movies and sitcoms but loved Nature, Science, and Geography. His tastes in music were 40's to 60's, Big Bands, and some pop. But his greatest love was Classical music. 

Mark placed great value on friendship. He enjoyed people who opened up their deep feelings about life and love. He was scrupulously honest about everything, always polite and discreet and a man of his word. He had great faith in Jehovah's promise of an Earthly Paradise, the Resurrection and Everlasting Life here on Earth. His many qualities were an inspiration to us all. We will miss him dearly...but only for a little while! 

(More “Mark” @ www.markmylife.wordpress.com)