Keith G. Cooney

COONEY, Keith Garfield – June 9, 1934 – February 13, 2023 Keith passed away during the night of February 13, 2023 at their current residence in Guelph.

He is survived by his wife Gwen, son Darrell and spouse Stefanie and their two boys Joshua and Andrew. Also survived by siblings Doris Cummings, Jean Works, Norma Cooney and brother Eric. Pre-deceased by son Dwayne, brother Ross and recently sister Faye Bell.

So much to say….. such little space! Born and raised a farmer and always one at heart, but ultimately called to another cause in serving his lord. This led to meeting Gwen his spouse of 66 years and so many experiences shared, in family, work and leisure. An amazing appetite to learn, regardless, if the vehicle was print, experience or electronic.

The combination of farmer and well educated made for some pretty creative solutions, to common household issues and repairs, which often found me chuckling at the innovation. The same creativity steered his path as a pastor, first with a change of denomination for greater expression and then to an area pastor beta project, taking on the responsibility of supporting 200ish churches with their challenges.

Dad absolutely thrived on this, but the hours and the miles took its toll on his health. An earlier than planned semi-retirement helped along with the wonders of modern medicine, mom’s cooking (and maybe some dietary nagging) and his own discipline of walking, gave him many more years of enjoyable life.

The past 8 years following a significant aphasia stroke made life increasingly challenging. The loss of his ability to read and write, and increasing difficulties in managing his beloved electronic devices grew ever so frustrating. A similar episode for mom in 2018, forced a move from their loved retirement condo, to a wonderful retirement residence. But with his communication challenges and the unanticipated flip to being the caregiver with mom’s reduced capacity, their world got pretty small and days became long and hard to fill. Covid and the passing of many of their cherished friends both locally and of broader scope compounded this isolation.

But dad soldiered on, supporting mom as best he could and looking forward to my frequent visits. His final pleasure in life was a new game of how many things can I find each week to send Darrell to the store in separate trips for. It made me smile inwardly how that trapped up mind continued to innovate!

For all of you who have played a part in dad’s or mom and dad’s combined life, I want to thank you all for contributing your piece to the puzzle that illustrates his life. Although he has physically left us everything that happens in my life, your life and continuance of his work, which gives reflection upon him will add another peace to his puzzle, which knows no boundary. Thank you dad, thank you!

Dad’s wishes were for no service to be held to commemorate him at this time, but instead to hold that thought for when his life could be celebrated alongside mom’s. If you so wish, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in the spirit of dad who supported such a diverse group of needs. 

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).

A tree will be planted in memory of Keith G. Cooney in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.