Obituary – Keith Svean, 74

January 27th, 1938 – May 18th, 2012

Keith was born January 27th, 1938 in Kelowna, BC to Herman and Freda Svean. He was the youngest of three children. He had an older sister Uleta and older brother Swede. On May 18th, 1968 Keith married Gwen Bumstead in Dawson Creek, BC. They made their home in Fort Nelson, BC. Keith and Gwen had two daughters – Shelly and Shari. Keith moved to Fort Nelson in 1956. His first job was for Grandpa Bumstead at the Mile 335 sawmill. He then went to work for Bruce Rome Construction, Cantlon-Parker, and Dick Streeper Trucking. Keith bought his first truck in 1967. He went on to do mechanic work from the shop in the yard then he began working for Sikanni Oilfield. Before Keith retired he ran heavy equipment for Toots Graff. He had a wealth of tools and information that he would share with those around him. Keith took up golfing when he was semi-retired. He loved to work on golf carts at home and at the golf course for Terry Streeper. Keith and Gwen loved to go to the golf course for their weekly steak dinners. When the girls were young, Keith and the family would spend time down in the Okanagan every summer. Throughout his Fort Nelson years, Keith loved to go up to the Liard Hot Springs. Keith was well known for his early morning coffee routines. He would regularly meet the guys at the Muskwa or the Trapline. Later on he would have the coffee ready for Al Hodson when he got to the shop. After leaving Al’s he headed up the Simpson Trail to Shari’s for their morning coffee and smoke. Keith loved to make things out of metal – bottle openers out of chains, propane bottle ashtrays and parts for his bobcat. Keith was Gwen’s right-hand man at the Rec Centre. He filled vending machines, did dishes, ran for groceries and got the concession ready for Gwen to run in and begin working. Keith passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, May 18th, 2012 in Fort Nelson, BC, at the age of 74 years. Keith will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Keith was predeceased by his parents Herman and Freda Svean, brother Swede Svean and father-in-law Percy Bumstead. Keith is survived by his loving wife Gwen; daughters Shelly (Joel), and Shari (Blaine); grandchildren Christopher, Kennedy, Corbin, and Kyle; sister Uleta; mother-in-law Helen Bumstead; nieces and nephews and other family members. A celebration of Keith’s life was held on Friday, May 24th, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Fort Nelson Recreation Centre. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Keith to the Fort Nelson Hospital Foundation. Keith’s family would like to thank the staff at the Fort Nelson Recreation Centre, Eric Ashdown, Tim McLean, Kory Svean, Reynars Funeral Home, and all the others who helped throughout this trying time.

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