Linda Gail KEYWORTH

1960 - 2024

LINDA GAIL KEYWORTH Linda Keyworth passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at her home, leaving her family and friends at a loss to imagine their lives bereft of her kindness and sweet humour. Born in Vancouver, B.C., on November 23, 1960. Linda was the daughter of Alan (1929-2012) and Donna (nee Tufts) Keyworth, and sister to Cheryl and Scott. As her father's career moved his family further east, Linda found herself at the University of Toronto, where she earned a BSc in-between time spent with the Drama Department. Three days into Nursing Studies, Linda quickly jettisoned that idea and ended up travelling the world with Travel Cuts and SWAP. This 'running away to join the circus' moment ignited a life-long love of theatre, travel and the friends she gathered along the way. She returned to Canada and joined the National Tap Dance Company, touring internationally with them as a stage manager. This eventually led to a return to U of T, where she earned a second degree in Arts Administration. Upon graduation, she went on to work with the Canadian Stage, Equity Showcase, followed by five fun-filled years as General Manager of the Toronto Fringe Festival. Her skill at maintaining a calm and organized presence behind the scenes of many major, high-pressured productions was highly valued and much appreciated. This became apparent as she started working in film and television as a Production Coordinator (Queer as Folk, Degrassi, and many others). During hiatus, she would travel to work at film festivals like Sundance, Dubai and our own TIFF, where she was a mainstay for many years. She also found time to lend her expertise at Young People's Theatre, the Seniors Jubilee or sit on the board of Nightswimming Theatre. A life-long learner, she recently became qualified to work as a production accountant on a number of TV shows. At the same time, she pursued another interest and earned her Level 2 in ASL (American Sign Language). Linda loved travelling and hanging with her many friends: Gay and Rose; Paula and the Browns from the old neighbourhood: Steven, Jennifer and the 'Irish Hoods'; Sandra and her film festival colleagues; Zis and her fellow grads from U of T and a vast array of television and theatre folks. Closer to home often found her heading north to Nancy and Brian's cottage, one of her favourite places in the world. However, nothing sparked more joy than her annual road trip to Florida with her mom and sister, where they were joined by her aunt Linda and cousin, Daintry for a week of laughing and shopping. When it came to family, who were so precious to her, she will be sorely missed by her mom, Donna; her sister, Cheryl (Gord) Stensrud; and brother, Scott (Nancy); and 6 people who have the great fortune to know her as Auntie Linda: Taylor and Carson (Samantha) Stensrud and Maggie, Grace, Laura and Christopher Keyworth. Her presence in all of our lives has truly been a blessing, not only in her immediate family, but also in the many deep and long-time friendships she has made in her life. This reoccurring theme is evidenced in the monumental, shared grief and support her family has received since her passing. As such, we feel that an opportunity to gather her family and friends for a Celebration of Life is not only warranted but necessary. This will occur at Young People's Theatre, 165 Front Street East, Toronto, on Sunday, March 24th, at 2:00 p.m. Should you choose to make a contribution in Linda's name, please consider the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf, Nightswimming Theatre or a Charity of Your Choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel 416-487-4523