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FREDERICK JAMES (RICKEY) KEEP
Born: May 01, 1952
Date of Passing: Nov 13, 2018
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
FREDERICK JAMES (RICKEY) KEEP May 1, 1952 - November 13, 2018 On his own terms, Rick passed away at home peacefully, with Denise, his wife of 40 years, by his side. Rick had a wonderful, carefree childhood growing up in the North End. He had a close bond with his siblings, Gaye, Bonnie and Jeffrey. Rick was so pleased that his out of town family members were able to come home to say goodbye before his passing. From the time he was 12 years old Rick had a job: delivering the Star Weekly and TV repair coupons, working in a garment factory, a foundry, a bowling alley, a restaurant, an elevator at Eaton's and eventually he ended up at the City of Winnipeg in 1974 following in his dad's footsteps. Rick was President of the Water Works Unit of CUPE Local 500 for many years. He also served on the Local 500 Executive. It was through CUPE that Rick met Denise Asselin and they were married in 1978. Rick and Denise enjoyed their cottage at Hillside Beach for 15 years. They were able to travel to many warm places over the years. Once retired a move to Lee River in 2002 was a dream come true for Rick. Unfortunately, a year later he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). Over the next seven years his health and mobility were greatly compromised and they were forced to return to the city in 2009. From 2010 on, Rick and Denise spent the next seven winters in Mesa, Arizona where the dry heat was very therapeutic. While in Mesa they reconnected with Denise's cousins with whom Rick forged a strong friendship. From an early age, Rick had a fascination with airplanes. In 1982 he got his 'Wings' and flew as a recreational pilot. It was around this time he became the founding President of the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) in Manitoba earning him the nickname "Casaraman". He was involved in a couple of air searches and was very proud of this organization. Rick also served on the Board of the Winnipeg Flying Club for two years. One of the greatest experiences Rick had was in Arizona when he flew a 1943 Stearman open cockpit plane. It took two people to get him in and out of the plane but it left him with a smile for weeks. Rick was especially close to Denise's family. His brothers-in-law were more like brothers and his sisters-in-law and Denise were referred to as 'the four-headed wife'. Many happy, memorable times took place with this large, crazy, loud family and Rick will be missed by all of them. Rick had many life-long friends. He loved all of you so much. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Myrtle, his in-laws, Don and Alice, brother-in-law Al Rivers, his beloved pets, Buster and Spencer. Mourning Rick's passing are his spouse Denise, his siblings: Gaye Keep (Lenny), Victoria BC; Bonnie Rivers, Jef (Brian), Brockville, ON; Denise's family: Paul (Tannis), Jocelyn (Al Caron), Frank (Roberta), Lorraine (Larry McGaw) and Gisele (Mark Caron); his cherished nieces, nephews, their spouses, great-nieces and great-nephews all of whom he was terribly proud. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the compassionate homecare workers who were like family over the last year and a half and our case coordinator, Michelle Picton. To the Winnipeg MAID team and Jay Aubrey (BC Civil Liberties Association) thanks for your unending support. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place Wednesday, November 21, 2018, Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg. Drop in any time between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Rick always said he was 'not a suit', so please feel free to dress casually; jeans and t-shirts would make Rick very happy. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to: Dying with Dignity, (Winnipeg Chapter), 55 Eglinton Avenue E., Toronto, ON M4P 1G8; Society for Manitobans With Disabilities Wheelchair Program (SMD), 1857 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3E7; The Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3; or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2018
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”– Melodie Beattie. On behalf of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities we are grateful to be remembered by Frederick’s loved ones during this time and honoured to be trusted to support Manitobans with disabilities in his memory. Reading the tributes to Rick it is clear he was a wonderful person and much loved. I had the pleasure of speaking with him over the last few years and even in our brief conversations I could hear his love of life in his voice. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Kyla Wiebe (Society for Manitobans with Disabilities) on: Nov 21, 2018
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Denise, I’m am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a great guy, super funny, was great to work with. If you had just met Rick you knew you were a friend for life. We will miss him and his excellent sense of humour. Love you girl! - Posted by: Wendy Zilli (Friend and Co-worker) on: Nov 21, 2018
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I always enjoyed Rick. I have always thought of him when a bee comes into my life. Myrtle's stories of love and laughter at the cottage with Rick, Denise and Spencer still warm my heart. You are a special family who doubtless impact many peoples lives. I am so sorry for this void you have to endure, but so happy for you all, to have had so many fond memories to look back on. - Posted by: Sally Brodrick (Sure footed friend) on: Nov 21, 2018
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Condolences to the family. I’m related on the Andrews' side, Alfred Charles Andrews is my grandfather. I recently found out due to collaborating with another cousin on our family tree, that he was the grandson of great-uncle Fred. My father remembers Rick and the family well. - Posted by: Kimberly (Distant cousin ) on: Nov 19, 2018
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A bright light is dimmer now. A very long time family friend...Rick was a prince of a man. Fiercely proud, Rick faced adversity with a smile to his chosen end. His zest for life, his love for Denise and his unabiding loyalty to his friends rank high with anyone privileged to know him. I consider the Ross family including myself among his friends. Thankfully I have 50+ years of memories, lots of laughs over the years and the utmost admiration for his candor as well as comedy. We shall all miss Rickey. Lila and Bill Gattinger - Posted by: Lila and Bill Gattinger (Family friend) on: Nov 19, 2018
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So long Rickey. If ever an individual personified the meaning of friendship, you were that person and you will be missed for a long time. Sincerest condolences to Denise, you are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Rick and Bev (Friends) on: Nov 17, 2018
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Denise and Bonnie, I want to offer my condolences to you both on the loss of Rickey. Please know I am thinking about you both during this difficult time. Unfortunately I am unable to join you for the celebration of Rickey's life but since I am in Mesa, I will lift a glass to Rickey on Wednesday. His sunny disposition will certainly be missed. - Posted by: Susan Hart-Kulbaba (union friend) on: Nov 17, 2018
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It is with great sadness and joy that I say a few words about Rickey. It was with the City that Rick and I met and worked together. He devoted countless hours to CUPE where he worked diligently to help out the members of the Water and Sewer. He loved helping people and was always up for a good fight with management. After retirement he always had a wonderful memory for recalling hilarious incidents that took place both at and away from work. Throughout the years he was always interested in how everyone else was doing regardless of how he was feeling. He maintained his cheerfulness and wonderful sense of humour despite his own pain and suffering. Sorry we won’t be there for your final send off. Rest In Peace Rickey. You may be gone but you’ll not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Denise. All the Best! - Posted by: Bill & Judy (Friend) on: Nov 17, 2018
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Denise, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. Wayne & Eileen Pavey, Lethbridge. - Posted by: wayne & eileen Pavey (acquaintance ) on: Nov 17, 2018
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“Rockstar”, it was an honour to meet and work with you. - Posted by: Rik Zatonski (Co-worker) on: Nov 17, 2018
