Obituary
Remembering a long-time friend, husband, father, brother and son.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved husband, father, son, brother and Friend. He is survived by his wife Tracy, two sons Zachary and Keiran, his mother Barbara (Lance) and siblings Gloria (Doug), Craig (Monica), Eric (Stella), Billi and Bruce.
On July 31ˢᵗ 2021 Keiller lost his 13-month battle with cancer. He fought to the end and is now at peace. His family and friends are however now feeling a huge loss in their lives without him there. Keiller was born in Montreal and soon after moved to Lindsay, followed by Peterborough, Ontario where he grew up and spent his school years. In 1980 he moved to Vancouver where he joined his sister Billi. His mother Barbara followed shortly after. Keiller thrived in Vancouver as he loved the outdoors, the ocean and warmer climate. He lived on Bowen Island for several years working as an apprentice electrician and attending BCIT where he earned his Red Seal certification as a Journeyman Electrician. In 1988 Keiller met the love of his life, Tracy. They were married in 1992 and over the next 29 years raised their 2 sons in North Vancouver.
Keiller loved to help others and to be of service to anyone in need of his help. He volunteered as Dive Master with Mako Sports eventually earning his instructors certification with Padi. He taught the St John Ambulance Brigade volunteers first aid skills, as well as performed hundreds of hours of first aid at community events. When his sons joined Scouts Canada he became a leader and lead troops through Bowron Lakes, Young’s Peak and many other adventures, including earning his pyrotechnics license just so “Magic Campfire” would be amazing for the kids and the adults a like. He served on the Board of our LVCHA housing Co-op and was instrumental in completing many large maintenance projects over the years as well as being there for any member who needed assistance.
Most recently he poured his time and devotion into GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Assn), serving as Director of BC Chapter A with Tracy from Sept 2014 to 2017, and most recently was ride coordinator for the region. He was known for taking members over some pretty amazing “twisties” on their motorcycles.
His electrical career began with him starting his own company KG Electric, followed by working for several electrical wholesalers and contractors. In 2001 he was asked to be an auxiliary electrical inspector with the District of North Vancouver. He landed a full time job as inspector with Maple Ridge in 2003 and transferred back to the District of North Vancouver in 2005. He finished his career as Chief Electrical Inspector and was forced to retire due to illness in April 2021.
Keiller was known for his kindness and generosity, he always had a big smile, and as many will note he had a great sense of humour right until the end. Keiller was always proud of the life he built with his wife, and his two sons. He loved his Mom, his Great Danes, and his cats. He was affectionately known as the “Cat Whisperer” at home. We all knew of his passion for his Goldwing “Max”.
In 2020, shortly after his diagnosis Keiller renewed his faith and was baptised with his mom at North Shore Alliance Church. If he wasn’t ill he probably would have eventually achieved the title of Pastor. He never did anything halfway.
Please join us for Keiller’s Service at North Shore Alliance Church, 201 23rd St E, North Vancouver at 4 pm Pacific Time on September 10ᵗʰ, 2021.
Due to COVID 19 the service is limited to 225 people inside the church.
To attend in person please sign up using the attached Eventbrite Link to secure your seat in the church. It is completely free, just ensures we stay within the maximum number of people allowed inside.
If you have any problems, or have any questions please call or email Tracy at 604 219 5836 tpgowans@gmail.com
Keiller Gowans Memorial
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Keiller
We are deeply sorry for your loss – the staff at A Simple Cremation
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Keiller Gowans October 14 1959 July 31 2021 (age 61)..
Décès pour la Ville: Maple Ridge, Province: Colombie britanique