Keith Denly McCoy passed away on March 20th, 2012 at Piccadilly Care Center with his family by his side. Keith was born July 27th, 1921 in Vancouver, B.C. The ocean was a huge part of his upbringing and he spent many hours swimming and paddle boarding with friends in English Bay. As a young man he competed on a sculling team.
After graduating from High School, Keith worked as an airplane inspector for Boeing in Vancouver and served with the Air Force during the Second World War. After the war, he took his teacher training. He was an industrial arts teacher and eventually a Vice-Principal at Revelstoke Senior Secondary. There he met and married Doran Vimy Middleton in Revelstoke, where they brought up their two children, Deni and Mark. During the early part of his teaching career, he spent summers in Field B.C. building trails and buildings for Parks Canada. In later years, Keith spent the winters skiing with his family and the summers fishing at the family cottage on the Shuswap Lake.
After retiring in June of 1979, Keith designed and built a beautiful home for he and Vimy in Sicamous. He was an extremely skilled carpenter. He could repair anything and took great care and pride in the quality of his work. His attention to detail in everything he did was equal to none. Keith and Vimy travelled the world and filled their home with items collected from every continent but Antarctica. The photographs depicting their journeys were outstanding. Keith lived by several mottos: measure twice and cut once; never give up; do your best; earn others trust and remain loyal. His influence and direction made a difference in his family and students’ lives.
Keith was predeceased by his wife, Doran Vimy, son Mark, parents Frances Sadie and Jack and sister Joyce. He is survived by his daughter, Deni and grandchildren, Keenan, Ryan and Dana.
Thank you to Dr. Beech and the staff at Piccadilly Care Center for their kindness and care. Thank you to our families and loved ones for their support and love. Special gratitude goes to Sue McCrae for her constant support on his final journey.
A celebration of Keith’s life was held at Bower’s Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 27th, at 3:00 P.M. Donations in memory of Keith can be made to the Cancer Society.
Online condolences can be sent through Keith’s obituary at
www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.