- Keith Michael Rattew passed away peacefully at Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, on September 11, 2023, at age 88 following a stroke.
Keith was born and raised in London, Ontario. Keith started his working life at age 8, selling newspapers on a train that ran from London to Toronto. He joined the Air Force right out of high school and earned his Pilots’ Wings in Gimli, Manitoba. He had fond memories of his first posting, flying the F-86 (Sabre) for 427 Squadron at 3 (Fighter) Wing, Zweibrücken, Germany from 1955 until 1959. After he returned to Canada, Keith joined the Army and travelled with his young growing family through postings in Borden, Petawawa, Kingston, Winnipeg, Cyprus, Calgary, Ottawa, England and back to Ottawa where the family settled. In 1977 he joined the Public Service. He retired in 1988 as Procurement and Financial Manager for the Low Level Air Defence Project. He moved to beautiful British Columbia in the early 90's living there for more than a decade where he attended UBC earning a Master’s of Education. His Master's thesis was titled Transforming the Canadian Healthcare System. He spent years researching healthcare delivery models to reduce costs and provide better patient outcomes only to succumb to dementia before presenting his final work to key stakeholders.
While living in Ottawa, Keith loved to host parties and plan fun activities, outings and gatherings for his family and friends from the “Thursday Night Group”. These included houseboat vacations, destination excursions, cottage stays, car and walking rallies, scavenger hunts, and countless theme parties.
Keith had a lifelong love affair with travel. He travelled throughout Western Europe, favouring the South of France and Italy. He also travelled to Hawaii, Japan, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Dominican Republic and spent many winters in Mexico and Florida. He often invited family and friends to join him on his travels. He would act as a tour guide to show his guests the nearby sites or the best outdoor patio. Keith always had a camera close by to capture the moment for friends and family but he also appreciated the natural beauty of his surroundings and took hundreds of photos of beautiful flowers, scenery and sunsets. He was happiest surrounded by his friends and family enjoying a delicious meal and a beverage on a patio with a great view. He will be remembered fondly by many.
Per Keith’s wishes, cremation has already taken place. There will be no public funeral service. Instead, there will be a get-together of family and friends at Dad’s favourite restaurant starting at 6 PM on October 5. Friends and family will be contacted by email with further event details.
Flowers are gratefully declined and friends are requested to consider a donation to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of their choice
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1935 - 2023 (88 years)
