Keith MARCELLUS

MARCELLUS, G. Keith
1928 - 2012
Keith was born in Pincher Creek, Alberta and grew up on the farm, the elder of two brothers in a pioneering family in the district, attending Fishburn School and then Pincher Creek High School. He attended SAIT in Calgary through 1948, was active in sports, and became an A-Grade motor mechanic specializing in tune- ups at Maclin Motors, Stampede Motors and Parkdale Esso. Keith then attended U of A in Edmonton in the 1960's, receiving a B.Ed. and, later, a M.Ed. He was in the first group of Vocational Education specialists for the Calgary School system. There, he taught automotive mechanics at James Fowler and Ernest Manning High Schools before retiring in 1986. Keith passed away peacefully at Qualicum Manor, Vancouver Island on April 24 at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his wife Edna in 2007 (after 58 years of marriage) and daughters Helen (wife of Wilfred Fujita, Hawaii), Laura, and son Don (husband of Mary-Ann, Olds). He is survived by sons Jack Schick (wife Joanne) in BC and Robert (wife Felicity) in Australia. With eight grandchildren in Alberta, BC, and Hawaii, and eight great-grandchildren, Keith and Edna left a heritage that crossed many borders. Keith had many fine traits. Quick with a warm smile, he was well-liked by all, and though conservative and soft-spoken, had strength of character and a fine sense of humour. He enjoyed people, the outdoors, trips away in their van conversion, and their extended family. Early family vacations in his cherished 1953 Ford Customline invariably meant camping with five kids, picking fruit, luckless fishing, or a visit with relatives in Alberta, BC, or Saskatchewan. Always willing to lend a hand to family or friends, and a very capable man, Keith often built or fixed things for himself, satisfying his curiosity for how things worked. He loved Alberta and things country. Keith will be sadly missed by family and friends, but his legacy of good will, responsibility, sense of family, and good humour will live on. In lieu of ceremonies, family, friends and relatives are encouraged to remember Keith in their own way. His ashes will be spread across the country he loved so much. Donations in memory of Keith and his daughter, Laura, to UBC/VGH Hospital Foundation OVCare Program are appreciated.