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Obituary
Keith David RASMUS
July 6, 1965 – July 26, 2023
RASMUS, Keith David passed away suddenly and tragically as the result of a motor vehicle accident on July 26 2023. He will be greatly missed by his wife Cara, children Kyle (Caitlin), Anna, Dylan, mother Beryl (Brian), brother Kevin (Lynda), parents-in-law Paul and Madeleine, siblings-in-law Jenny (Guy), Paula, and Chris (Mike), cousin Rod (Keiko), nieces and nephews Laurel, Jake, Callum, Karsyn, Willow, Hannah, lifelong friend Brad (Jocelyn), extended family in Canada and South Africa, and many, many friends. He is predeceased by his brother Kurt and father Richard.
Born in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, Keith grew up in Scarborough, Ontario where he and his brothers and friends wreaked havoc on their bikes in their Guildwood neighborhood. His mother Beryl welcomed, fed and scolded the pack of boys that charged in and out of her house. This is where Keith’s friendship with Brad began.
His father Richard passed his passion for sports to his sons at a young age, and Keith developed an avid love of sports – and competition! From childhood soccer, hockey, and cross country, to motorcycle racing in his 20s, to cycling and beer league hockey in his 50s, Keith was a talented athlete who was competitive in everything that he did.
Also rooted in Scarborough was Keith’s love of golf, sparked when Richard brought his sons with him to play on local public courses. Keith, entrepreneurial from an early age, started working in middle school as a spotter then as a caddy at Scarboro Golf and Country Club. He transitioned to working summers there as part of the greens crew, eventually working full time for Dennis Pellerine. Keith remained at Scarboro for 25 years, launching his career in the golf industry, quickly working his way up to course superintendent.
Through Keith’s work at Scarboro Golf and Country Club he met Cara, who was also in the golf industry. From Scarborough, Keith moved to Innisfil with Cara and then as homeowners to Aurora. The birth of their eldest son Kyle made Keith a father, a role which he wore with pride from then on. That pride continued to grow with the birth of his daughter Anna and son Dylan.
Keith loved his family. By then living in Bradford with Cara, three kids, and countless animals, Keith was an active, involved parent. A kid at heart, he was the first to drive the boat for tubing, to do a 70-foot cliff jump to compete with the 13-year-olds, to drive across the province for the kids’ hockey, soccer, skiing, or gymnastics competitions. Keith led by example, wanting his children to develop genuine connections, make memories of exciting family experiences, and have opportunities to reach their full potential.
Keith knew his childrens’ friends on a personal level and became a mentor to many, offering advice, support, or even a place to live.
Mentoring and networking came naturally to Keith. He connected with everybody, anywhere. Whether in a hot tub at Tremblant, at the blackjack table in Vegas, or at a hockey arena in the middle of nowhere, Keith loved to engage people in conversation and wanted to include them in his life. He was always generous with an invitation, an introduction, a job for someone in need, or work or life advice.
In 2011 Keith became part-owner of the Quarry Golf Club and the family moved to Peterborough. Keith’s work was his passion, and you wouldn’t catch him on his golf course without a dog by his side. The first to arrive and the last to leave, Keith gave his best and expected others to do the same. A respected boss and leader, Keith had patience, gave second chances, and didn’t believe in micromanaging, instead trusting and empowering people to figure things out on their own.
Working at Scarboro, Keith supported a development program for employees with various abilities. Through this program he became a mentor to his friend Brian, who worked for Keith at Scarboro, Liftlock, and then The Quarry, and has been living with the family since 2020.
Through his work with The Quarry, Keith continued to help others reach their full potential. From running charity golf tournaments, participating in the monthly “100 Men” charitable association, and leading The Quarry to sponsor local events, clubs and organizations, Keith was actively involved in his community. Regularly a sponsor for local sports teams, he also often volunteered as coach or trainer for his childrens’ teams.
Outside of the course, Keith played just as hard as he worked. Whether it was boating, golfing, training, biking, hockey, or simply socializing on the dock, at each activity Keith was surrounded with laughing family and friends. He never turned down an opportunity for a sports-related road trip, be it Georgian Bay, Augusta, Newfoundland, Niagara Falls, or beyond. Keith was always ready for an adventure.
Keith enjoyed his toys, especially the ones that came with family memories: his father’s TransAm, the handed-down tin boat, a Ford F350 stick shift that he would never sell – despite many offers!
Keith would go anywhere and try anything. He was fearless and honest and a little bit crazy. A joke or a prank were rarely far away when Keith was around. He could fix anything. He believed it’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. He taught others that it’s not that you can’t do it, it’s that you won’t do it. You just have to go for it.
Those who knew Keith know that he loved a good party. We’re having a Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 6th at 2pm at the Quarry Golf Club 447 Tara Rd, Ennismore, ON. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers…
Keith first hired Brian O’Sullivan in 1998 at Scarboro Golf & Country Club through a divot Crew program run by Community Living Toronto. Keith saw the potential in Brian and moved him onto the greens crew; he never could have imagined that one day he would move him into his home with his family. Keith has looked out for Brian and supported him. And like he was to so many, Keith was a friend to Brian. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to an account set up to support Brian and his ongoing success.
Contribution details to come.
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July 6 1965 July 26 2023 58 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario
death notice Keith David Rasmus July 6 1965 July 26 2023 58 Years Old
obituaries notice Keith David Rasmus July 6 1965 July 26 2023 58 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Keith David Rasmus July 6 1965 July 26 2023 58 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
