Keith Halpenny

Halpenny, Keith

Keith died peacefully at home on Sunday, June 29, 2014.
His devoted family was with him as they had been throughout his journey with pancreatic cancer.
Keith was born in Ottawa on March 4, 1932 to Percy and Winnifred Halpenny. His sisters, Betty Ann Findlay (the late William Findlay) and Jean Halpenny, grew up with him in that loving Westboro family.
Keith is survived by his loving wife Suzanne (Crain). He was a tender, gentle and supportive father to their four children: Katherine (Sean Smith), Peter (Sarah), Christie (Jamie Boyes) and Amy (Jeff Magwood). His children remember him as a selfless father who encouraged and supported them with humour and trust. He never stood in the way of their dreams and plans, but by his very presence gave them strength to follow their road. An outstanding role model and hero right to the end, Keith's qualities will live on in them always.
Keith's eleven grandchildren were the light of his life. Trevor, Laura and Rowan Halpenny; Kieran and Charlotte Smith; Emma, Sadie and Rory Boyes; and Signy, Gavin and Halle Magwood. Keith was a strong supporter of these interesting and active young people and rarely missed a hockey game, soccer tournament or dance recital. This happy group will miss their beloved grandpa.
Keith shared his love of the cottage on the Big Rideau Lake with Sue and cherished the large family gatherings. The cottage and the memories of fifty years spent there gave a sense of permanence to family traditions that were so important to him. The fabric of the Halpenny Family was woven with times spent at the cottage. Keith was especially fond of his boat, the Gadabout, and was able to have a final ride in it during the last week of his life.
Keith and Sue had several memorable trips on the Gadabout traversing the Rideau and St. Lawrence Rivers, and the Ottawa River to its source at New Liskeard. He was able to visit both the Antarctic and the Canadian Arctic, and had many memorable ski and bike trips both at home and abroad. He was honoured to journey to India with Rotary International to help in its campaign to end polio.
Keith proudly took over his father's company, Halpenny Insurance and worked in harmony with many loyal employees who emulated his fair and creative business sense. Keith's outgoing nature and gifts as a people person helped him grow the business through genuine and personal relationships with his clients.
Keith was a life member of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club and a Charter member of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa. He attended the University of Western Ontario where he excelled as a member of the Mustang Basketball Team. A man with deep affection for his community and country, Keith contributed to the life of Ottawa in countless ways. Perhaps the legacy most meaningful to him was his leadership role in establishing the Ottawa Rotary Home.
Keith wanted to be remembered as someone who whistled cheerfully every day of his life and took pleasure in connecting meaningfully with the people he met, wherever he happened to be. He was a quiet man whose strength of character and great integrity was acknowledged by the many friends who supported him during his illness. He set an example as a kind husband, a loyal friend, and a trusted father. His charming and gentle manner attracted a following of special people who stood by him as his life came to a close, and to them we extend our deepest gratitude.
The family wishes to thank the nurses from Carefor, Dr. Cleo Mavriplis and Maryse Bouvert, his palliative care nurse, for their excellent, loving, and thoughtful care.
The family invites friends to meet at the Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, on Thursday, July 3rd from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm. Funeral service will be held at St. Andrews Church at the corner of Kent and Wellington Streets, Ottawa, Friday, July 4th at 1:00pm.
A gathering for family and friends will be held at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club on the Aylmer Road directly following the funeral.
If you wish to remember Keith, donations may be made to the Rotary Home Foundation: 823 Rotary Way, Ottawa, On, K1T 3W6.