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Keith SIMMONDS Obituary
True to form, Keith always chose the "I can" approach to life. As a born-and-bred Edmonton boy, Keith grew up celebrating mountains and the outdoors. He met his wife Toby in Whistler, moved to Fernie and then Invermere where they had their two boys, Ben and Nick, of whom Keith was intensely proud. The family spent a year in Red Deer before landing in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here Keith began his Great Wolf Lodge adventure while building a sharing, caring community for all of us.
His passionate, encouraging and philanthropic nature is exemplified perfectly by how he spent his last 10 days; He cycled, fundraised and laughed his way from Toronto to New York City... It was the ride of his life. Forever loved and missed by his adored boys Ben and Nick, his cherished wife Toby, his treasured mother Ellen Mae, late father David, his brother Greg (Susan), beloved nephews Braeden and David, a clan of cousins who were always there for him, a large and incredibly loving family of in-laws, friends and colleagues galore, and of course his beloved Wolf Pack.
If you have a special photo with Keith that you would like to share, please send to: [email protected]
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday the 2nd of October, 2022 at 11:30am, Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario. For those unable to attend, it will be livestreamed at https://livestream.com/accounts/15502389/events/10629922.
For those who are planning to attend, it seems there will be a lot of you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith SIMMONDS
31 Entries
kevin kelly
October 12, 2022
Keith was a " bright light". He bonded with everyone. I never met a more positive person. I know I'm better for Keith touching my life. My heart goes out to his family. Kevin Kelly Genpak
Joe Choromanski
October 10, 2022
I got to know Keith during my tenure at Ripley's. Keith was an "outside" hire like me and he brought a superior level of professionalism and amazing hospitality experience to this new Lodge. Enthusiastic in every way, including the most minor of details. And his Great Wolf howl was like no other. My sincere condolences to the family, take some comfort in knowing that we was well liked and admired by everyone.
brenda bergstrom
October 8, 2022
Dearest Toby and family, my absolute shock at the news and deepest sympathies to you.
My memories of Keith are that he was always quick to make sure all was well and good for those around him.
I hold dear conversations he and I shared in our time working at "the Groc"(whistler).
Sending you hugs of strength, comfort and love at this (unbelievable) time
Colleen Scott
October 8, 2022
Keith was a wonderful boss and great human. I am howling in his memory.
Gregory Pearsoll
October 2, 2022
Long time guest at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls - I met Keith personally in 2018 during my stay there, and he was very friendly. Also, I am a cyclist as well - and hearing about his passing was saddening.
He has been very helpful in helping me deal with my long-time issues with travel. As a guest since 2013, I have watched the "Little Log Cabin on the Parkway" develop with updates to the restaurants, the cottages, updates to the rooms, the Wolf Tail, and other things under Keith's tenure.
He was also a major supporter of Community Living, which I am a supporter of.
We'll really mis you.. Niagara Falls won't be the same without you.
Ian Goldstone
October 2, 2022
Toby, Ben and Nick: please know that we are by your side with love and support as you navigate the future and that we will honour Keith's spirit and energy with compassion and generosity.
Joni and Ian
Gina
October 1, 2022
Worked with Keith as part of the opening team. Remember him coming to ask me to make him his daily smoothie. Condolences to Toby and his boys. RIP
Kathy Lewis
October 1, 2022
Oh my gosh , the guy who´s looking for coffee, before I´m even open on every visit to Brockville, that bubbly smiling face, and the big sincere hug, the cycling stories and energy!! Wow , I will miss your face . Love and hugs to all the family.
Kathy Lewis.
Rosemarie Gizzie
October 1, 2022
I enjoyed working for Keith years ago as part of opening team because we shared the same belief that family comes first. My best memory is when I called him to say I would be late for a Director's meeting because my son was playing in a Championship High School hockey game and he said not to worry, go ahead and finish watching the game. My deepest condolences to Toby and the boys. He will be missed.
David Elltoft
October 1, 2022
Thanx Keith - you were a larger than life character who achieved so much leaving the world a richer place with 2 sons to carry on your legacy.
You "made things happen " - A party for my 75 birthday - I was hoping for another if I make 100
So very sorry for your untimely parting
Debbie Piccirillo
September 30, 2022
Our Alpha Wolf was taken from us far too soon but now he has passed the torch onto us. Everything he did was for his Little log cabin on the parkway. Keith you were more like my brother than my boss, I hope you have a talking tree in your little log cabin in the sky
Forever in my heart
Forever Great Wolf
Susan Branston
September 30, 2022
I met Keith through business and we developed a friendship over the years . He was one of a kind! We would check in with one another every couple of weeks just to say hi . He would call and say " I just wanted to hear your voice". He was a caring, compassionate friend. I will miss our chats and his incredible spirit!!
Kim Kiff
September 30, 2022
This picture says it all. It is how I will always remember Keith - smiling and full of life. He was an amazing manager, a gracious host to me and my son when we visited the lodge, a wealth of information and just one of those salt of the Earth, all round good guys. The world needs more Keiths. My heart breaks for his family, his team and all who will
Mourn his loss. Rest In Peace, Keith.
Peter Doyle
September 30, 2022
Keith was passionate. He was passionate about his family, his work family at GWL, giving back through numerous charity events and cycling. He was always upbeat, energetic and positive. Last month he took us on a tour of GWL and he proudly showed us the new restaurant that was just being finished. It was wonderful and unique. Keith was so proud of the look and feel of the restaurant and the prospect of adding another new experience to GWL. Keith will be missed but he will not be forgotten.
Nick Dardano
September 30, 2022
My family and I had the pleasure of first meeting Keith years back while spending time at Charleston lake with mutual friends. I immediately thought Keith was great. Genuine, thoughtful and always had words of wisdom. Although not a close friend or family, Keith always left a positive impression. I can honestly remember nearly all my conversations with Keith over the years- he was just that kind of guy. After leaving a party I´d turn to my wife and say "geez I really like Keith...." . I know that´s how so many people must feel that got to know Keith. Perhaps the most memorable moment was when biking with a group of us and finding myself trailing behind, Keith took the time to hang back, give me tips, encourage me along and even switched bikes with me. Keith was just a great human being and I was very proud to have known him.
Our hearts go out to Toby and the boys.
Marie Pickell
September 30, 2022
My memory of Keith was when i worked at the lodge he was always smiling when he was there He loved the kids and spent time to talk to them and always made them fell welcome. He would pass me in the lodge as i was doing my rounds And he would bump fist with me Tell me i was doing a great job ,Keith you will be missed But heaven is gaining a other angel.
ineke brinkman
September 29, 2022
So terribly sad to hear/read....Keith keep spinning your wheels in heaven. My sincere condolences to wife, children and extended families, continue to ride in his pedals. Wishing you much courage, strength and faith. A fellow cyclist, ineke
Wayne and Carol Hamelin
September 29, 2022
Toby, Ben and Nick: We extend to you our heartfelt and sincere condolences at this time. We hope to see you in Brockville in the near future to say this in person and convey our condolences face to face along with hugs for you all.
With much love - Wayne and Carol Hamelin
Robert Symington-Jones
September 29, 2022
As a fellow cyclist I was immediately saddened upon hearing of Keith´s passing and surprised to figure out that we had crossed paths years ago.
We met Keith and Toby in 1999 when we worked at Fernie Alpine Resort. They were friendly and helpful. When we were looking for a place to stay until we could move into our house they let us live in the guest suite of their house. It was comfortable and quiet, just what we needed.
Paula recalls driving into work with Keith and coming across a horse loose on the highway. Keith stopped at roadside houses and tried to find the owner of the horse.
Our condolences to Toby and family for their untimely loss.
Robert and Paula Symington-Jones
Dan and Maria NOTL
September 29, 2022
Keith was a special person with a smile and personality that would light up a room.
Grateful for our friendship and bikes around Niagara.
Ride on our friend
Jenn Paillé
September 28, 2022
I met Keith while working in the Spa at GWL. I was a Spa Therapist there for 5 years before moving to the GTA. Keith was a client of mine during my years there and was just one of those humans I found was so easy to get along with and just so full of life. I am a runner and he always respected how active I was and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. My heart goes out to his family. He was a wonderful human being.
Carolyn Tychynski (Wronski)
September 28, 2022
I met Keith during the planning, preparation and opening of the GWL Spa. He definitely had a vision. I was grateful to work with him for many years. He was genuine, kind and one of the highest energy people I've ever met. My deepest condolences to Toby, Nick, Ben and the entire Wolf Pack.
Joel Bishop
September 28, 2022
Dear Toby, You only lived in Red Deer for a year but we have fond memories of you and Keith being a big part of our neighbourhood. Ben and Nick were the cutest, Keith had the same passion for bikes as Jim and I always felt a kindred spirit with you.
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss and my heart breaks for you!
Jim and Joel
Ian Gadsby
September 28, 2022
Keith was more than a colleague at PATTISON. He was a friend, and a joy to my family whenever we visited the Lodge. I'll never forget when he kept the kids club open late, so that Elle and I could come visit him at Home to celebrate 10 years of the lodge. He will be missed by all the souls he touched with his huge heart...
Anne Marshall and Peter Elmhirst
September 28, 2022
A great wolf howler and a true gentleman. He will be missed by his many tourism friends for his positive outlook and generosity. Our thoughts are with Toby and the boys. Peter and Anne
Elise Pacheco
September 28, 2022
Sending all my love to the Simmonds family, Keith was a great man & amazing mentor to all. He will be greatly missed!
Ian Trenholm
September 28, 2022
I met Keith in the early 90's in Whistler at the "Groc" (The Grocery Store in Whistler) and have to thank Bob and Sue Adams for bringing this fun-loving guy to work with us. We quickly became adventure buddies and friends...Keith enjoyed referring to me as Eggman as I was the dairy guy. I'll always remember one of our first rides and returning to his place in Emerald Estates and his obsessive need to make popcorn of all things...it makes me smile and laugh to this day. I'll miss him and send his family my heartfelt condolences.
Armando
September 28, 2022
I worked with a Keith only once a year for a few days each time.
I always felt his friendship and encouragement.
I grieve for his family, and for all of the people who´s lives he touched.
I´ll miss him.
Tim Parker
September 27, 2022
Dear family. Keith and I started together at the lodge from day one. We always didn´t see eye to eye but Keith was a hard working , committed and a compassionate person . His memory will live on forever in the inside walls of the GWL that he personal built from the ground up. My deepest condolences to the family.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results