Keith Gerald Antle

1940 ~ 2013

With family by his side, Keith Antle, at the age of 72, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the Pinawa Hospital.

Keith Gerald Antle was born to John Alexander Antle and Edith Vaughan, his wife, on November 12, 1940 at The Home Hospital in St. Lambert, Quebec.  He resided in St. Lambert until his father returned from World War II.  He completed Grade 1 and part of Grade 2 at St. Lambert Elementary School.  The family then moved to Greenfield Park, Quebec where he completed Grades 2 to 7 at Royal George School.  For Grade 8, students were transported by bus to St. Laurent High School.  The remainder of his high school was completed at Sir George Williams High School in Montreal where he attained his Grade 11 certificate.  At the same time, Keith’s uncle found him a job at the Toronto Dominion Bank, which would turn into a 39 year career with the Bank.  Keith served the TD Bank in numerous positions, ultimately being transferred to Manitoba as the Operations Supervisor in 1969, a job he continued until 1975 when he moved into Branch work and ultimately retiring from the TD Centre Branch as Account Manager Independent Business.  Keith retired from the bank in 1995.  However, between 1995 and 1999 he worked in a local Hog Barn, a job function he enjoyed immensely.

In 1997, he met and married the love of his life, Corene Barkman and because she was in the poultry business, he embarked on a career in laying hens and broilers, retiring again in 2003 when the farm was sold.  To keep himself occupied he invested in 2 heifers followed by a few sheep and the numbers kept going up.  It wasn’t that the revenue made us rich, it didn’t, it gave Keith something that he liked to do-watch the animals-especially during calving and lambing seasons.

During the last few months however, cancer changed the focus of his attention.  We have watched as he has tried to prepare for an orderly departure.  Trying to make it as easy as possible for the person he cared the most for, his wife Corene.

The Church of God in Christ Mennonite has been our church home for over 16 years and it was this staff and this church that provided our greatest strength at this time.

It has been a difficult journey as he passed through each day.  He kept a positive outlook, fought with courage and determination, and considered his life seriously.  He was attentive as the Lord spoke to him and realizing he was not a perfect man, endeavored to make his wrongs right.  The last several weeks in particular, he spoke often of being at peace.  We give God the glory for extending his mercy and are at rest knowing he awaits us at the Pearly Gates.  His wish was that his sons would follow his example.

And so it was as the sun was slipping away in the western sky the angels came and carried him away their arms.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, his sister Gail and his step-mother.  He leaves precious memories for his loving wife Corene; his children Stephen (Linda) of Elma, MB, Scott (Gwen) of Whitemouth, MB, Kent (Linda) of Winnipeg, MB, and Karen (Vincent) Proceviat of Winnipeg, MB; seven grandchildren Aimey Antle (Calvin Williams) of White Rock, BC, Erin (Ryan) Jamieson of Burnaby, BC, Luke Antle of Edmonton, AB, Jillian (Josh) Dudych of Winnipeg, MB, Callie Antle, of Winnipeg, MB, Alyssa Antle of Calgary, AB, and Drake Antle of Winnipeg, MB; three great-granddaughters Rylie and Lea Jamieson, and Brynn Williams.  Also surviving are two brothers Lorne (Lynn) of Kelowna, BC, and Wayne (Madeline) of St. Jacques le Mineur, QC; one brother-in-law Ron Raffan of Acton, ON; five step-sons Les (Jodene) Barkman and their children Kaleb, Cody, Seth, Alyssa, and Jaymin of Paxton, Nebraska, Cam (Louise) Barkman and their children Jessica, Troy, Shannon, and Branden of Altona, MB, Chris (Katie) Barkman and their children Erin, Alistair, and Isabelle of Neilburg, SK, Kevin (Heidi) Barkman and their children Jordan and Brittney of Souris, MB, Kerry (Jolene) Barkman and their children Kaiden and William of Neilburg, SK; nieces and nephews; his parents-in-law Leonard and Irma Dueck of Whitemouth and their family, plus many friends.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Highway 406, Whitemouth.  A Memory Service will be held on Friday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour.

Thank you to Dr. Bruneau and the team at Cancer Care Pinawa; Tracey Abraham and her nursing team at the Pinawa Hospital; and everyone for their visits, prayers and concern shown to us at this time.

In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, memorial donations to Pinawa Community Cancer Care, c/o Pinawa Hospital, 30 Vanier Avenue, R0E 1L0, would be appreciated.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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