Keith Cunningham
November 2, 1929 to December 25, 2024
With much sadness we announce the sudden passing of Keith Cunningham in the early morning hours of Christmas day 2024 at the Athabasca hospital.
Keith was born in Gilbert Plains Manitoba, November 2, 1929 to Harold and Jenny Cunningham (nee Price) and was the second oldest of 7 children. At the age of 22, Keith left the family farm and headed west to make a new life.
He worked on the oil rigs of Alberta, as a cat-skinner for numerous logging camps and as a general farm labour. While helping to fight a forest fire near South Athabasca, he met Gail Soper, the daughter of George and Jean Soper, the young women who 2 years later he would marry. This happened on July 15, 1961 at St. Alban’s Anglican Church in South Athabasca.
Their first child, James Richard, was born, February 15, 1966. Soon after the Soper/Cunningham family moved to the community of Yarrow, BC. Here Keith operated a small saw mill and worked in the local Esso garage. On October 13, 1973 their second son, David Keith, was born.
In 1978, the family returned to Alberta. They settled in the Strathmore area where Keith worked at a large feedlot operation as a large equipment operator. he worked there until his retirement in 1998. Keith and Gail decided to spend their remaining years in Athabasca, a place that was always close to their hearts.
In 2024 Keith and Gail celebrated 63 years of marriage. Sadly, tragedy was soon to follow. On August 3, 2024, Gail passed away from a massive stroke. Four months later Keith would follow. After a short illness, Keith passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas day. Prior to his passing, Keith had briefly been a resident of Extendicare/Athabasca.
Keith is predeceased by his parents Harold and Jenny (Price) Cunningham; siblings, Marie McMullen, Arnold Cunningham, June Cunningham, Darlene Schmidtke. He is survived by his siblings, Robert/Bobby Cunningham, Blanche (Joan) Maxwell, As well as his loving son’s Jim (Barrie Bishop) and Dave (Kari). Grandchildren Sabrina, Conner (Emma), brother-in-law Bill Soper (Karen), sister-in-law Heather Dion (Hugh Scott). As well as many nieces and nephews.
While we are very much saddened by Keiths passing we are grateful for all the time we got to spend with him and hear his wonderful stories. Right up to the end Keith’s mind was sharp, and his humour and kindness always on display.
Keith will always be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Funeral arrangements will be announced in spring 2025.
