Obituary for
Keith Anthony Culliton
CULLITON, Keith Anthony-of Stratford, Ontario, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2018. Keith was born on June 7, 1927, son of Maurice and Sarah Culliton of Stratford.
Keith was predeceased by Frances, his loving wife of 62 years. His life was devoted to her and their seven children including Catherine, Patricia, Michael, Gerald, Joan, Mary and Tim and partners Douglas, Anna, Janet, Rick, and Heidi. Fifteen grandchildren are Sarah (Andrea), Hilary, Warren, Aaron, Laura, Erica, Nicola, Kyle, Grace, Ruth-Anne (Adam), Kate, Eric, Connor, Carter and Crosby. Also survived by his brother Richard, sister Elaine, sister-in-law Joan and an extended family of nieces and nephews.
Following his graduation from Stratford Collegiate High School and work on the family farm in North Easthope Township, Keith began his business career as a bookkeeper at R.T. McBride Limited. Soon after, his brother George, joined the firm and in partnership they built the company from a local shop to a recognized trade contracting industry leader in the province of Ontario. Keith gave hundreds of employees their start in trade careers. He was honored by the Grand Valley Construction Association as their inaugural inductee to their Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Keith was honoured to receive a number of distinguished industry awards and acknowledgements, notably, the Ontario Senior Achievement, the Chamber of Commerce Personal Excellence and Stratford Citizen of the Year awards.
Keith lived a life dedicated to service of others. His unwavering commitment to Stratford was demonstrated by over 50 years of public service. Keith’s dynamic style placed him in public service leadership positions including Catholic School Board trustee and Chairman, City Councillor, Public Utilities Commissioner, and two-term Mayor of the City of Stratford.
Keith’s boundless energy and focused determination had a significant impact in the community. He was President of the Stratford Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow with Emerald distinction, President Stratford and District Agricultural Society, President of Perth-Wellington Liberal Riding Association and President Grand Valley Construction Association. He served on numerous boards including Stratford Perth Museum, Stratford Festival Board of Governors, Stratford Perth Huron Partners in Employment, Canadian Council of Construction Associations and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Council.
Keith was a strong proponent of social justice and creating equal opportunities for all. He supported several charitable organizations where there was a need including the Jesuit Mission at Jesu Ashram in Darjeeling, India.
Keith was a hackney horse enthusiast. With his brothers, he enjoyed driving and showing horses at country fairs, the Canadian National Exhibition and the Royal Winter Horse Show. In 2015, Keith and his brother George were inducted into the Canadian Hackney Society, Hall of Fame. For over four decades, Keith was an ardent supporter of the Stratford Culliton Junior B hockey team. He enjoyed gardening and travelling extensively with Frances, the love of his life.
Friends will be received at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 96 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario (enter off Hibernia St.) on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 96 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario, Saturday October 20, 2018, 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Autism Ontario, Perth- Huron Branch, the Stratford Hospital Foundation, or the Stratford Perth Community Foundation- Keith and Frances Culliton Fund, are appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to James A. Rutherford Funeral Home, 519-271-5062.
To send flowers to the family of Keith Anthony Culliton, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Order Flowers
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Keith Anthony
Culliton 1927 2018..
Death notice for the town of: STRATFORD, Province: Ontario