Keith Robert Boomhower

With heavy hearts, we announce that Keith Robert Boomhower went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the age of 74.

Keith had been courageously battling the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease for the past eight years. While we mourn his loss, we rejoice that his suffering is over and he is now in the presence of his Savior, walking streets of gold and rejoicing in Heaven.

Keith was born in Dryden, Ontario, to Bob and Rose Boomhower. Four years later, his brother Randy was born, completing their family. Together, they enjoyed the outdoor life—fishing, hunting, and experiencing the natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario.

Keith began his law enforcement career with the Ontario Provincial Police in October 1971, retiring in December 2001. He served in Thunder Bay from 1971 to 1974, was transferred to the remote outpost of Armstrong from 1974 to 1979 and took a temporary post with the City Crime Unit in Kenora in 1995. Much of his career was spent in Dryden, where he served from 1979 until his retirement. Keith was a well-known and highly respected police officer in Dryden and the surrounding communities.

After retiring from the O.P.P., Keith continued serving the public as a municipal prosecutor for provincial offenses in the Kenora District until 2017.

Keith shared a lifelong bond with his ‘brothers in blue’ and stayed in touch with his former partners right up until the week of his passing.

On April 19, 1982, Keith made a life-changing decision to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and later that same year, he was called to preach. His love and passion for the Word of God, especially the King James Bible, was evident to all who knew him.

Keith was ordained as a pastor and preacher of the gospel in November 1997 and went on to pastor The Bible Baptist Church in Dryden for 13 years. He loved to study, teach, and preach the precious Word of truth, and he touched many lives through his ministry.

Keith was also an avid hunter and marksman, enjoying time in the wilderness pursuing moose, deer, and partridge. He had a deep love for music and passed on his musical talents to his daughters, Bethany and Katelyn. They often sang together at home and in church, creating cherished memories through song.

Keith married Mary Williams, and they were blessed with two daughters—Bethany, born in 1987, and Katelyn, born in 1988. Keith also leaves behind his son, Mattew, born in 1978. Later in life, Keith found great joy in his four beautiful grandchildren: Luke (16), Cian (13), Roisin (11), and Hannah (3 months).

Keith loved his family dearly and often expressed how richly blessed he felt. He was grateful for his two sons-in-law, Declan and Andy. He shared a special bond with Declan, often engaging in deep conversations about the Bible and family. Keith also enjoyed sharing his love for hunting and shooting with Andy, who became not only a son-in-law but a trusted and dear friend.

In 2019, due to declining health, Keith and Mary relocated to Manitoba to be closer to their daughter Katelyn. Although the move was difficult—his heart always remained in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario—he came to appreciate the slower pace of retired life, learning about agriculture from Andy and enjoying the company of neighbors who shared his love for the Lord.

Keith lived a full life dedicated to God, his country, and his family. Though he will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing he is now resting in the glorious presence of his beloved Lord Jesus.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Third Crossing Manor for their compassionate care, and a special thank you to dear friend June Loeppky, who was with Keith in his final moments.