William BLIGHT

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BLIGHT: William Keith Alexander passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, January 28, 2013 at the age of 86 years after a long and fulfilling life. Keith will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years Doreen; his son Murray (Lorna) children Tanya (Sean McCabe), Heidi and Drew and great grandchildren Annika and Rowan; his daughter Marilyn and sons Geoff, Tim (Amanda), extended family Richard Gregoire (Sandra) and nephews Don (Sandra) and Jim Blight of Prince George. Keith was born November 21, 1926 at the Brandon General Hospital to Alden and Winnie Blight. Keith attended Brandon Hills School until age fourteen when he quit to help on the family farm. He enjoyed playing ball but there was always work to be done. Keith worked at various jobs trucking to make some cash to buy his own place in 1947 when he purchased Hard Scabble Farm which over the years supported a dairy operation as well as mixed farming, raising beef cattle, pigs and chickens. At one stage of his lifetime he had a three year stint working at Zenith Paving only to realize he’d rather be his own “Boss” and in time purchased the home farm of his parents subsequently making a lifelong career of farming keeping up with many of the major changes. Being a man of many talents, there were few challenges that Keith couldn’t conquer. In his earlier years, Keith was active in the Gorrie community as a trustee as Murray and Marilyn attended Gorrie School. He helped many neighbors in both Gorrie and Brandon Hills communities. Keith and good friend Doug Coate enjoyed many hours during their years of friendship going on jaunts “packing gravel” as it was referred to, checking out what was happening in and around the community. During his semi-retirement years, hours were spent in his shop where in his creativity he made “crows” from shovels, mower sickles and guards then wind wheels constructed from bicycle wheel rims and colored dishes as well as numerous rock creatures, geese, turtles and ducks of various sizes, all for the enjoyment of others and many were gifted to family and friends. In his later years Keith enjoyed being of help to his grandson’s Geoff and Tim in their Contractor’s Corner business and was pleased when the lads named their extended services Hard Scabble Stucco & Stone after the original 1947 home site. As well, many hours were spent at a slower quieter pace when Keith would head into town for a whole day visiting friends at Fairview Home, Brandon Regional Health Centre or in their homes. At the farm the kettle was always boiled and the instant coffee jar on the table with sweets on the side for when family, friends and neighbors called in. Keith will be missed by his many friends and relatives. A celebration of Keith’s Life will take place on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the Victoria Inn, Imperial Ballroom with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Keith may be made to Family Visions Inc. / Heidi’s Place, 2705 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7B 0N1. Thanks to Dr. Butler and 300A Staff, especially special aide Elaine for their excellent care of our Dad. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements withMemories Chapel &Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 02, 2013