Sydney Keith Eckersley
September 12, 1938 – October 29, 2021
As published in the November 8, 2021 World-Spectator
Sydney Keith Eckersley, age 83, passed away peacefully, with family at his side, Friday, October 29, 2021. Keith was born on September 12, 1938 to Robert and Elsie (Cundy) Eckersley at their Carnoustie homestead west of Rocanville, Saskatchewan.
Keith grew up on the farm and attended the Carnoustie Country school. He helped on the farm and learned to respect nature and the fruits it provides. He learned to hunt and fish at a young age. Keith was a kind and hardworking man. When he finished school, Keith spent a few years working for the Canadian Pacific Railway throughout western Canada before taking a position with IMC Minerals Inc. (Mosaic) Potash Mine at Esterhazy, and later Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting (Nutrien) Potash Mine at Rocanville.
Keith married (Elizabeth) Bette Tinnish on August 22, 1959 in Tantallon, Saskatchewan, making Tantallon home and later moving to Spy Hill. Together they had four children, Myles, Maureen, Michael and Mark.
Keith appreciated being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends. He was a longtime member of the Wildlife Federation and volunteered his time to teach gun safety in his region. He was kept very busy running with hockey and figure skating in the winters and pulling water skiers in the summers. He was also very passionate about music (primarily country music and Johnny Cash) and enjoyed playing guitar around the campfires and teaching his grandkids how to play. In retirement, you could find him fishing down at the river or touring the valleys spotting wildlife. He always had a camera in hand. Keith was influential in initiating the monthly Music Jam Sessions in Spy Hill the past few years and always looked forward to attending and participating in weekend “Music Jams” and festivals throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He also loved to read, and spent hours studying the local history books.
Keith’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. His eyes would sparkle at their mention and he held bragging rights at the local coffee shop.
Keith was predeceased by his parents Robert and Elsie, his wife Bette, his sister Jean and his companion Barb.
He will be dearly missed by his son Myles (Corinne) Eckersley, granddaughter Tanya (Paul) Goddard, great-granddaughter Londyn, grandson Ray (Brittany), great-grandson Jackson; daughter Maureen (Ward) Willson, granddaughter Kristin Neufeld (Dave McLean), grandson Rory (Lauren) Neufeld, great-grandsons Theo and Caleb, granddaughter Sarah Willson, grandson Reid Willson; son Michael Eckersley, grandson Donovan, granddaughter Jane, great-granddaughter Fin; son Mark (Lana) Eckersley, grandsons Mason and Rylan Eckersley; brother Ken Eckersley, and sister Carol (Kevin) Begg, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family service was held Friday, November 5, 2021 at 2 pm, with Pastor Jean Istace officiating from Peter Carscadden Funeral Chapel, Esterhazy. A public graveside service was held Friday, November 5, 2021 at 3:30 pm from Spy Hill Cemetery, Spy Hill, Saskatchewan.
If friends so wish, donations in Keith’s memory may be made to the Rocanville Wildlife Federation or the MS Society of Canada.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.pcarscaddenfs.ca Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, Esterhazy in care of arrangements. 306-745-3304.
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