Charles Keating

Charles Earle Keating

With his family at his side, Dad passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at his home in Douglas Campbell Lodge, at the age of 91 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Alice (North), partner Wilda Smith (nee Keating), his parents Earle and Bessie, brother Don, brother-in-law Mac McNabb and nephew Jamie McNabb.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Neil (Etsuko) of Portage, Jane (Denis) Gates of Kelowna, Olwyn Keating of Poplar Point, Wendy (Barry Fowlie) of Fanny Bay BC, former daughters-in-law Terry Keating of Winnipeg and Diane Keating of Victoria.

Missing him always are his grandchildren Sarah (fiancée Mike Sangalang) and Mandy Keating; Jose and Clayton Gates; Dennis (Angela) Stevenson as well as great grandchildren Riley and Jarret Stevenson.

Mourning him are dear sister Marion McNabb of Minnedosa and “young” brother Jack (Joyce) Keating of Carman, former wife Pat Keating of Winnipeg, Nephews Dean (Debbie) Keating, Charlie (Darlene) McNabb, Clark (Sherrie) McNabb, Paul Keating, Andrew Keating and nieces Joy (David) Fai, Donna Keating, Elaine (Neil) Thomson, Teri (Mike) Gartner and Rosy McNabb will all miss his teasing and sense of humour.

“Charlie” was born and raised on Silver Creek Farm, near Silverton MB. Squadron Leader “Chuck” Keating served 25 years in the RCAF as a pilot including a tour on the F-86 Sabre at Zweibruken, Germany in the 1950s where he excelled as the Team Leader of the FIREBALLS Aerobatic Team. He spent many post retirement years as “The Mobile Carpenter” in Winnipeg.

Chuck was a trusted leader, friend and skilled pilot in the RCAF.  He had a wonderful sense of humour that lasted until his final days and delighted his Care Givers at DCL. He was stubborn (persistent) but always ultimately conciliatory. He easily made many lifelong friends, such as wingman ”Fireball 2” Syd Burrows. He enjoyed sports throughout his life playing baseball, hockey (RCAF Flyers – Europe), curling (Manitoba Consuls) and golf (keep your head down). He loved to travel and continued to do so in his later years by motorhome with his dog Mitzi. He belonged to The Sabre Pilots Association of Air Division Squadrons (SPAADS) and was a member of St Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015 from 7 to 8 PM at McKenzie Funeral Chapel in Portage. Funeral Service will be held at St Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, on Friday, February 6, 2015 with Rev. John Dolloff officiating. Interment at Silver Creek Municipal Cemetery will be held February 7, 2015 at 1 PM. A Family Memorial gathering for him and brother Don will be held August 22, 2015 at Portage and Silverton.

Donations in memory may be made to Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, c/o Portage District General Hospital, 150-9 ^th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3T6 or to St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36-2 ^nd St.SW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2A1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com