Herbert Arthur "Keith" Leckie

Strong. Kind. Generous. Cheerful. Honest.

All admirable character traits on their own - if you were to roll all of these qualities into one person, you would have one heck of a human being.
This was Herbert Arthur ‘Keith’ Leckie.

Husband, son, grandpa, great grandpa, dad…

Keith was born on August 3, 1937 to Art and Mabel Leckie and grew up on a farm in the hills south of MacGregor. He attended Sight Hill School, and along with his sister Marilyn and younger twin brothers Garry and Glen, was raised with a strong work ethic, a great interest in animals, and the outdoors. Here a love of farming and family was engrained in him.

In 1955, he  met his future bride. When she came to teach at Sight Hill School, Miss Lamb boarded with his family. Keith married Barbara (Lamb) in 1958, and after moving to town for a brief stint, they decided country life was the life they wanted. So they bought a farm south of town where together they raised 5 kids: Vernon (Karen), Heather (Gary), Colleen (Darwin), Marlene, and Cameron (Lindsay).

Farming was a challenging life. Keith rose to the challenge with hard work, dedication, unwavering optimism, and a never-ending drive to provide for his family. After farming for 35+ years, Keith turned his skills to bridge building around southern Manitoba. He enjoyed the change of pace, as well as the camaraderie and laughs he shared while working with Donnie MacDonald.

Keith’s life was not one of luxury, but he never complained or asked for anything.  He and Mom worked so hard for everything they have! He was quick to share, and found happiness in family, friends, and neighbours. He could fix anything, and could always be counted on to help when called. Although never a loud voice in the crowd, he was always a pillar of strength both for family and community. If you asked Keith for help, you knew he’d have your back.
Need air in your tire? Need a ride to the tournament? Need a tow out of the ditch in a snowstorm? Need help moving in? Moving out? Moving home in the middle of the night after your last university exam? No problem.
He was always there.

Keith enjoyed time cheering on his girls at ringette and ball, and Vern when the Mustangs played. There was never a prouder hockey dad when Cam was on the ice. In later years, he and Mom spent countless hours in their favourite seats cheering on their grandkids on all their different teams. He was always our biggest fan, with pride shining from the little tears at the corners of his eyes.

He also loved hunting and on one of his last times out, Keith was rewarded for years of pushing bush by finally landing the big one. A trophy head that still hangs proudly on the wall in the living room.

In his most recent years, Keith was finally able to relax and enjoy a more leisurely life. Coffee at the kitchen table, a beer on the deck, Grannie’s weekly bistro often resulted in laughter and story telling and calls for the Red Book. Polka party and easy listening music with Mom were things he loved and looked forward to.

Keith’s passing on August 28, 2024 came too soon. He leaves to miss him dearly his faithful wife of 66+ years, his 5 children and their families, including 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, his sister, and brothers and their families, many cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.

A private family celebration of his life will take place at a later date. If you so desire, please feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice