Obituary Overview
Frederick James (Rickey) Keep
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 B.C.; 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 Home Care 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 & 4:00 PM
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, Ontario M4P 1G8
Society for Manitobans With Disabilities Wheelchair Program (SMD) 1857 Notre Dame Avenue, Wpg R3E 3E7
The Winnipeg Humane Society – 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, Mb R3T 0R3 or a charity of your choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frederick James Rickey Keep 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba