James Robert Keddy

Former Berwick Postmaster Passes

 

On July 22, 2017 at 6:24am, James Robert Keddy, age 89, originally of Brandon, Manitoba passed away at home with his wife and daughter by his side after a lengthy illness.

 

Born in Brandon, Manitoba February 23, 1928, he was the son of the late Reginald and Rebeenia (Johnson) Keddy. Jim was a loving husband to Libby (Bett — as Jim lovingly called her), father to Robert (Betty) Keddy, Coldbrook, Pam (Don) Hill, Moosebrook, and Kim Keddy, Berwick.

 

Jim was a man of many talents and passions. He and his co-manager wife managed the Berwick Bruins from 1966-1971. They took on many facets of the team, with the help of team member parents, the role of team financials, arranging transportation to and from games and housing for players. Jim was also the voice for the home games. All the goals and penalties were announced by Jim and his voice became a recognizable connection to the Bruins.

 

Berwick Postmaster - November 22, 1963 - 1982. Jim was chosen out of 27 candidates for the position of Berwick Postmaster at the age of 35. Prior to becoming Postmaster he worked for Canada Post in Middleton for 7 years. Bruce Redden, who followed as Postmaster after Jim retired described him as, "the smartest man I ever met. His commitment to every young person he met was the same. He never thought of us as a threat to his job but as the future and helped us grow and get ahead."

 

Jim so enjoyed his years at A.W. Allen's in Middleton working in the lumber yard and estimating for many customers. He also carried that talent throughout his life helping family and friends with questions on renovating projects.

 

Jim was well known for his involvement in the Board of Trade, presenting, with his wife, the idea of having princesses at the Berwick Gala Days. He also worked with the Nictaux Fire Department and called Bingo for many years. He helped in many of the famous Fire Department Chicken BBQ's and the Moose Suppers to fundraise and support the Berwick Hospital. Both Jim and Betty were very active in their church and volunteered many hours helping out with the youth groups.

 

James is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 72 years, Betty; son Bob (Betty) Keddy, Coldbrook; daughters, Pam (Don) Hill, Moosebrook; and Kim Keddy, Berwick. Sister, Eva Ogilvie, Dieppe, NB; Sister-in-law Gwen Keddy; Riverview, NB; Grandchildren, Christine (Ron) Oliver, Halifax; Craig Keddy, Cambridge; Tim (Nicole) Keddy, Auburn; Reanne (Jason) Wadsworth, Aylesford; Madra Loomer (Edmonton, AB); Lucas Anderson, Boston; Carl Anderson, Boston. Great Grandchildren, Sophie Keddy, Jamison Keddy and Cole Oliver.

 

He is predeceased by brothers, Oliver and Hugh Keddy, sister, Muriel Loxdale, brothers-in-law, Jerry Ogilvie and Bill Loxdale and grandson, Eric Anderson.

 

Visitation and reception will be from 6-8pm,Thursday, July 27 at White Family Funeral Home in Kentville, NS. Funeral service will be at 2pm Friday July 28 at White Family Funeral Chapel, Kentville with Rev. Dr. David Bielby officiating, Rev. Garnet Parker assisting. There will be a family graveside service held at a later date.

 

A special thank you from "Mom" Keddy to her daughter Kim for 7 months of caregiving for her husband which resulted in her administering necessary palliative medicinal injections in order for him to have his final wish of coming home to pass. Thank you also to my entire family for their wonderful support during this very difficult time.

 

The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff at Valley Regional Hospital (Medical A and B) as well as the doctors and staff at Berwick Family Practice for their professionalism, kindness and family support during Jim's lengthy illness. Special thanks to Sohani Welcher, Nurse Practitioner at NSHA/Nephrology Department. A personal thank you from Betty and Kim to the EHS ambulance/palliative staff for their special treatment of Jim that went well above and beyond what was expected and the tireless efforts of the VON staff- Palliative Care staff, CCA's and Registered Nurses.

 

Donations in memory of Jim can go to the Kidney Foundation, the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.

 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.