Keith Blane Conner

After a long and hard-fought battle with early-onset Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Atypical Parkinsonism, deeply loved husband and father, Keith Blane Conner, 69, passed away on March 15, 2020, surrounded in love, light and music.

 

Keith was a kind and loving soul who cherished spending time with family and found joy and beauty in simplicity.  He was a great lover of the outdoors and a lifelong Boy Scout who instilled his reverence for nature in his children. All of his kids and "G-Kids" will forever cherish memories of hiking, canoeing, and camping with Dad/Poppa.  His love of being outdoors was also shared by his wife of nearly 44 years, Debora. Together they dedicated much of their free time to landscaping and planted many beautiful gardens. They enjoyed countless walks through parks, along trails and on beaches with their many adored dogs.  

 

In his retirement, Keith built a greenhouse, grew fruits and vegetables and proudly shared his bountiful harvests with friends and neighbours.  He had many sweet moments in the garden with his granddaughters, teaching them about nature and how to nurture it. Keith also had a creative spirit along with a natural talent for drawing, designing, and construction; his snow creatures, forts and sweat lodge were legendary!  He played the piano and harmonica by ear, composed lovely melodies, and especially enjoyed going to live performances. Even when Keith began struggling to remember lyrics, he joyfully hummed along and joined in any family song for as long as he could.

 

Keith worked in aviation-related jobs for 39 years.  His career began in Ottawa where he worked as an aerial photographer and cartographer and culminated at Halifax International Airport where he worked as Superintendent of the Technical Data Centre for 20 years until his retirement in 2010.

 

Keith struggled with bipolar disorder throughout much of his adulthood and did his best to persevere, seek help and understand the nature of his illness.  He was a long-standing member of the Cole Harbour Bipolar Disorder Peer Support Group and recognized the importance and privilege of having access to mental health services.

 

Keith spent the last 30 years living in Cole Harbour and then Lawrencetown, NS.  He was born in Montreal on January 4, 1951 and grew up with his brothers in Pointe-Claire, QC, enjoying many outdoor family adventures and getting into the occasional trouble!  His family likes to believe he’s been reunited with his beloved parents Neil and Armina (Neil Conner, Armina May McKee) as well as his cherished niece Christina (Christina Rachel Conner) and his dear nephew Sean (Sean Terry Conner).

 

Keith leaves behind his devoted wife, caregiver, and eternal sweetheart Debora Lee Conner (Dundas); adoring daughters/granddaughters Meaghan (Meaghan Sarah Conner, husband Tasos Tzerefos, daughter Persa, Thessaloniki, GR) and Tamar (Tamar Kimberly Conner (Marshall), husband William Jason Marshall, daughters Nola & Edie, Kentville, NS); dear brothers Terry (Terry Neil Conner, wife Nannette Grant, Elephant’s Butte, NM) and Ross (Ross Robert Conner, Calgary, AB, and son Jeremy Steven Conner, Ottawa, ON); Korean-Canadian sons/grandsons TK (Kim Tae Kyung) and Tae (Kim Tae Hyun, wife Jennifer, sons Theo & Thane), as well as numerous relatives, friends, neighbours and former colleagues.

 

Keith’s family would like to thank the friends and relatives who’ve supported and helped them over the past several years on this difficult journey. We would also like to acknowledge the Alzheimer’s Society of NS for the excellent programs Minds in Motion and Artful Outings in partnership with AGNS. We’d also like to recognize the staff and volunteers of the Adult Day Program at Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, Eastern Passage, and finally, we extend our most heartfelt thanks to the staff at Evergreen Home for Special Care, Kentville, for the outstanding care and love Keith received over the past few months.  

  

A celebration of Keith’s life will take place once all of his family and friends can safely gather together. Please take care, protect yourselves and help those you safely can.  In the future, when life returns to normal, donations may be made in his name to any of the organizations listed above. 

 

Dad, you shall forever remain in our hearts as the coolest and best father ever.  We are filled with nothing but love and gratitude for you. Nobody could rock a sweatband or demolish a dozen cookies like you! ~M&T