Obituary of F. Keith Critchley

F. Keith Critchley

May 10, 1940, Winnipeg MB

February 28, 2020, Cochrane AB

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of F. Keith Critchley after 36 years living with Parkinson’s disease surrounded by those who loved him immensely. Keith was our husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was “Papa.”

Predeceased by his parents Frederick and Mona Critchley and his wife of 34 years Elsabeth Florence (Vidler); Keith is survived by his wife Linda; son Douglas Critchley; daughters Tanis (Kevin) Hagerman and Heidi (Trevor) Packard; grandchildren: Andrea (Dustin) Armson, Carson Hagerman, Craig Packard (Sabina Pasternak) and Erica Packard; great-grandchildren Lillian, Nixon and Payton Armson; brother Wayne Critchley; nephew Michael (Mary Joan) Critchley, niece Jennifer (Jason) May and Linda’s son Charles Hook.

Keith was a successful businessman beginning his career in Winnipeg. In 1966 he and his family moved to Regina. Throughout his career he was Honorary Life member of the Saskatchewan Graphic Arts Association, President of the Regina Chamber of Commerce, President of the Regina Exhibition Association, President of the Saskatchewan Roughriders (a very proud owner of his 1989 Grey Cup Ring), President of Brigdens which eventually merged into PrintWest Communications and President and Board Chairman of DirectWest Publishers.

In the years following Elsabeth’s passing in 1996, Keith retired and moved to Cochrane where he married Linda in 2001 and they made Cochrane their home.

In addition to his business successes, Keith loved his horses, whether watching the Standardbreds race, or his Quarter Horses win in show rings throughout North America, including a top 5 placing at the 2006 AQHA World Championship Show. He was a fan of all sports and enjoyed following his favorite teams, especially his beloved Roughriders and Blackhawks, and traveling annually to catch a Blue Jays game. Keith cherished being able to share his interests in business, horses and sports with his family. He established BarsWest, the family horse breeding and training facility near Cochrane and Displayco, the exhibit and display business which is now being enjoyed by the third generation.

Keith loved to travel with family, spending many winters in Palm Springs, enjoying trips to England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, the Galapagos Islands, Cuba, Jamaica, Hawaii, Alaska and a grand thirty-day cruise of the South Pacific. His last trip was a river boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River enjoying the fall colors with Linda and his three children, followed by a stay with his brother in Ottawa.

Keith did not let Parkinson’s disease get in the way of living a full life. He was active to the end and pushed himself very hard. He often commented on what great doctors he had starting with Dr. Ali Rajput of the University of Saskatchewan Hospital in Saskatoon. On Dr. Rajput’s recommendation, Keith was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003 for his fundraising efforts for Parkinson’s research in Saskatchewan. After moving to Cochrane his team of great doctors included family physician Dr. Judy Eley and specialists Dr. Sarah Furtado and Dr. Aaron Mackie of the Movement Disorders Clinic at the Foothills Hospital.

Since 2003, Keith and Linda have been members of the Parkinson Association of Alberta and its Cochrane Support Group. The members of this group have been invaluable in their support throughout the years. Those wishing can donate in Keith’s memory to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120-6835 Railway St. SE, Calgary AB T2H 2V6 or the Dr. Ali Rajput Endowment for Parkinson Research, care of the Royal University Hospital Foundation, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8.

We the family of the late F. Keith Critchley are virtually inviting all to attend through "Zoom" (link provided) the Celebration of Life scheduled for March 21st, 2021 at 11:00 AM.

Condolences may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.

Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium of Stettler, AB 403-742-3422, entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.