Harry Keeler

Harry Keeler passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. He was 75.

Harry was born in Matilda Township, on August 17, 1938, to his parents Wesley and Effie Keeler (nee Lewis).  

A very quiet child, Harry grew up north of Iroquois along with his five siblings. He would fall asleep in school and only made it to grade 3, likely to due to loss of interest. 

A hard worker, Harry worked for many local farmers most of his life. He loved to keep busy and would work for very little pay. He mowed lawns and cut wood until his 75th year. 

Harry was always there to lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbours. He had a great heart and would help anyone who needed it. He was a very happy man and smiling most times, especially when there was money involved. 

Harry could always be seen in a tucked in collared shirt, rolled up jeans, a cap on his head, belt, and sometimes socks hiked up over top of his pants. 

His pockets (no matter how many) were always full. Nobody really knows what was in there, but you could usually find a very thick wallet, baggies full of change, and a multitude of different keys on a ring. 

Harry played the harmonica and loved it. He loved to socialize with everyone, especially women. 

He would talk to everyone he ran into whether he knew them or not which is why he knew such a wide variety of people. 

He loved the Docksyde restaurant in Morrisburg, because of all the people he met there on a daily basis. 

Harry also loved to dance. When the music came on and he spotted a pretty lady, she didn’t stand a chance. Harry would just point, motion the lady over, and start to shimmy. 

Harry was always on the go whether he was working, walking, socializing, or driving. He absolutely loved cars and took a lot of pride in them. He loved to drive around and always thought his car was the fastest.  

He enjoyed telling his stories to anyone/everyone who would listen. He made everyone feel like they were an important person in his life even if he had just met them. If you were lucky enough to meet Harry, then your life was made a little bit better. 

Harry is survived his siblings Cecil (Pat) Keeler of Iroquois, Ann (John) Hamiaux of Riverside Heights, Goldie (Eric) Sypes of Morrisburg and Rodney Levere of Cornwall. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Pearl Merkley and his brother-in-law John Merkley.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Saturday, April 12th from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m.  The service was conducted by Pastor James Tripp. Spring interment will be at Dundela Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Loretta Jamieson, Nicole Jamieson, Marcie Jamieson, John Hamiaux, Rodney Levere, Tim Hutt and Scott Keeler. 

Donations to the Dundas Manor Nursing Home would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.