It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Keith Sveinson Thursday, November 25, 2021.
Keith, and his twin brother Kenneth, were born at Innisfail, Alberta May 20, 1931 to their English/Irish mother, Violet Sveinson - nee Cook, and their Icelandic father, Waldemar John Sveinson. The twins and older brother, Allan, were raised on the family farm located adjacent to the Medicine River, one mile south of the Icelandic village of Markerville. The boys attended the 1-room school at Markerville for the first 5 years of their schooling, at which time a 2-room school with 2 teachers teaching all grades replaced the old one. They remained at Markerville until the Red Deer Composite High School opened in 1947, at which time they attended there, graduating in 1949.
Growing up in the 30's and 40's on a large mixed farm in west central Alberta meant that Keith and Ken became well acquainted with a variety of crops and livestock, and learned to operate different kinds of farm equipment at an early age. They came to appreciate; the seasons, weather, their mom's large garden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, close neighbors, the threshing crews, devoted parents, and living in a splendid, largely Icelandic, yet ethnically diverse community.
After high school, Keith and Ken returned to the family farm, purchased a ½ section of mostly unbroken land and commenced farming full time with their parents. Two years later, Keith enrolled at the University of Alberta, where he graduated with a B.Sc. degree (Agriculture) in 1957. While attending U of A, Keith lived in St. Stephens College and was a member of the DU Fraternity.
Keith became a Professional Agrologist and his career spanned more than 45 years. He began his career as District Agriculturist in Calgary for several years, followed by a position as Agricultural Investigative Officer for the Industrial Development Bank in Western Canada. Keith was then recruited by the RBC Prairie Agriculture Department and served as manager of Agricultural Banking Services for RBC in Alberta for many years, until retirement in 1994. Keith was always a Champion for the Agriculture and Food industry sectors. Keith also had farmland near Cochrane and raised Simmental cattle. He is a past president of the Canadian Simmental Association, and also served as president of the World Simmental Federation. Keith loved his time on the farm and spent countless hours there.
Keith married his high school sweetheart, Edna Holt, December 7, 1957, and they were married nearly 62 years before Edna's passing November 24, 2019. Until March of this year he continued to live in the home in University Heights where he and Edna had raised their family and developed life-long friendships.
Keith was a talented singer and pianist and there was always music in the house. In his retirement years, he was a member of the Stampede City Chorus where he had a lot of fun and made many good friends. His barbershop quartet, Close Encounters, was an award-winning group competing in local, regional and international singing competitions. During his time with the Stampede City Chorus Keith served as Show Chairman for several years and was awarded the Barbershopper of the Year Award.
People, community and connection were most important to our Dad. He brought people together, was an amazing host and had a wonderful caring heart.
Keith and Edna are survived by their three children, Bryan (Sandra), Jill (Murray dec.), and John (Jody); five grandchildren, Dana (Riley), Stefan, Rachel, Colton, and Taneson; and great-granddaughter Reyndis.
Thank you to the staff at StayWell Manor, Foothills Hospital and Agape Hospice for the loving care and support given to Dad during the past few months.
A private family service will be held. There will be a Celebration of Keith's Life at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army (Agape Hospice), 1731 29th Street SW Calgary, AB T3C 1M6, or online at www.salvationarmy.ca
In living memory of Keith Sveinson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.
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