Obituary of Wayne Douglas Keedwell

April 2, 1946 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

January 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Wayne on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Wayne died at home surrounded by his family.

Wayne was born in Saskatoon, SK. to Al and Verna Keedwell. He grew up in a loving family surrounded by people he cherished. While attending Bedford Road Collegiate, Wayne met Dianne. They quickly developed a deep relationship and were married 6 years later. Wayne graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with degrees in Math and Geology. In 1969, he began his career with Pacific Petroleum where he experienced the many facets of the Oil and Gas business. In the mid-seventies, Wayne joined Canadian Superior before accepting a position at Ocelot Industries as their Operations Geologist and Log Analyst. This position was perfect for Wayne. Using his strong analytical, problem-solving skills and his geological knowledge, Wayne soon gained a reputation as a successful, skilled, detail-oriented professional. After 22 years with Ocelot, Wayne established his own company and continued his career as a consulting geologist, specializing in well log analysis. As a consultant, he worked with many different businesses, ending his career in 2008 with NAL Resources.

Family was Wayne's first priority. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his sons' varied projects or activities. He was a community volunteer and spent many years as a Youth Basketball Coach and as Woodlands Cub Pack leader. In 1997, when Dianne was diagnosed with Leukemia, he became her biggest cheerleader and actively supported the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. When his mother needed more help, he moved her to Calgary and became her primary care-giver. Nothing pleased Wayne more than the arrival of his two grandsons. He was a proud, involved grandpa and took every opportunity to spend time with them. Saturday family suppers complete with a game or movie became the highlight of his week.

Wayne excelled in many sports, but his first love was track and field. Wayne was a middle-distance runner and as a teenager, he was honoured to represent his school, city and province at many competitions. His love for running continued into his adult years and lunch hours were often spent along the banks of the Bow. Basketball was Wayne's favourite team sport and he played actively until his early fifties. In his teens, Wayne played football. He was an excellent quarterback and a competent receiver until injury forced him to become a spectator. Although quiet and reserved, Wayne expressed his passion for football as a vocal, outspoken supporter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Wayne traveled to Kauai many times and it became his "heaven on earth". He was also happy hiking with friends and family in the mountains or along the trails of Fish Creek Park. When Wayne made a friend, it was forever. He treasured these relationships and loved to spend time with his friends sharing food, fun and good conversation. Many of Wayne's work colleagues became close friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dianne; his sons, Scott (Andrea) and Todd; his treasured grandsons, Rowan and Quentin; and his nieces, Jacie and Tammy.

Although he was a skier, winter was not his favourite season. With this in mind, and at Wayne's request, we will not be holding a funeral in winter. Instead, when the days are longer and warmer, we will plan a Celebration of Life where friends and family can share their favourite memories.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2 Telephone: 1 (888) 566 – 5864, https://ablung.ca/.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Wayne’s family here.

In living memory of Wayne Keedwell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.