Keith Joseph Scissons

Keith Joseph Scissons

June 7, 1935 – October 26, 2022

With deep sadness, Keith’s family announces his death from aggressive cancer, at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, with his devoted wife and family by his side.

Left to grieve, but to cherish his memory, and his loving and vibrant life with them are his much loved wife, Louise, precious daughter, Jennifer (Joel) Jackson, and grandsons, Jet and Gryphon, that he was so proud of. Keith was an outstanding, caring son, husband, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful older brother to sisters, Carole (George) Perkins, Sharon Schachterle and Colleen Scissons. A fine uncle and cousin, a special brother-in-law to his and louise’s siblings, and a close friend to many. He was pre-deceased by his father Kenna (Ken), mother Florence, nephew Tom, brother-in-law Alfred and Louise’s two brothers and two sisters.

Keith had many fond memories of his life on the family farm before moving with his family to Saskatoon to start high school at age 12. He had an early interest in music, winning awards on saxophone at festivals, and playing at country dances!

After completing grade 12 at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, Sask., Keith attended seminary in London, Ontario. He was ordained to the priesthood on his 23^rd birthday, and obtained his B.Ed at U. of S. He was much admired as a teacher and hockey coach at St. Paul’s high School for boys for seven years, while serving country parishes on weekends. Ministries at the Catholic Centre included Religion Coordinator for Saskatoon diocese, rural catechetic, teaching R.C.I.A., and presenting religion classes at Teacher’s College. He had great memories of the three years as Pastor at Holy Family Parish where he made lasting friendships. He lent his beautiful baritone singing voice and talent as a director to form two singing groups. Keith’s talent as a choir director was evident in the wonderful choirs he sang with and directed at St. Philip Neri Parish and later at St. Mary’s Parish in Red Deer, and Sacred Heart in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

After his marriage to Louise, Keith was a teacher and counselor for troubled children at Full Home in Calgary, before returning to Saskatoon to manage the family business. He was Religion and Family Life Coordinator for Red Deer Catholic Schools from 1981 to 1993. He had many important roles in the schools and parishes, working closely with teachers, students and parents. Keith was very involved in church ministries at St. Mary’s Parish. He was chairman of the Regional Pastoral council, and presented Pastoral Council workshops throughout the diocese for several years. As chair of St. Mary’s Pastoral Council, he spearheaded the Stewardship Program, taught and formed Pastoral ministries and scripture groups and other important roles. He was highly regarded in all these positions, making many long-lasting friendships along the way.

Keith and Louise were pioneers and leaders in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, presenting many weekends and enrichment seminars in Saskatoon, Red Deer, Calgary and Edmonton Regions.

Keith was an avid sportsman. He loved playing baseball, curling, hockey, handball and golf. He remembered with pleasure great times of hunting and fishing with his father and friends, and fishing trips with his brothers-in-law.

Keith and Louise’s family, and many loyal friends and colleagues will remember and miss his warm, gentle, caring, compassionate nature, his great sense of humor, spontaneous laugh and winning smile, his exceptional talents, his beautiful singing voice and musical abilities, and the wonderful, unique person he was. Rest in Peace, Dear Keith.

A memorial service will be held in the  Spring of 2023 in Vernon, BC. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment of Keith’s ashes will take place in the family plot in Saskatoon, Sask. In the spring.