Obituary of Garnet Arthur Keddy

Garnet Arthur Keddy, age 76, loving husband of Twilah (Turner) Keddy died surrounded by his family on September 26, 2016. Garnet was a gentle man of faith who deeply loved his wife and family, worked hard and enjoyed the simple things. He made people smile. After working in construction as a grader operator, he worked most of his life in the woods and in his Christmas tree lot. Garnet was well known and respected in his community. He contributed in many ways from volunteering with the New Ross Fire Department and becoming an Honourary member as well as being a member of the Firefighter Commissioners to working in the hamburger booth during the New Ross Annual fair or visiting friends, family and neighbours both near and far. He was an associate member of the New Ross Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. His family is a singing family and he was surrounded by song even in his last days and minutes. Garnet is most famous for his hugs and anyone who received one, remembered it and wanted another. He taught the men in his family that hugs aren't just for women, they're for anyone you hold dear, and a real hug uses both arms and is felt both outside and inside. To his family, Garnet was Garney, Dad, Pappy and Gramps. Tood (Twilah) was his partner and love of his life. Their model of marriage has been an inspiration to his family and others who knew them. Dad was proud of his family and supported us at every turn. He has taught us to enjoy the simple things, to take care of each other and to live life with optimism and joy. He was the thirteenth child of Augustine and Grace Keddy. He is survived by his wife and soul mate of almost 55 years, Twilah (Turner) Keddy; four children, Carole (Randy Reeves), New Ross; Lana (Kevin McGinnis), Wileville; Nova (Angus Ells), Sheffield Mills; Ryan (Jessica), Sebeka, MN; fifteen grandchildren: Tiffany Fudge-Ferris-Osborne (Aaron), Brenton Fudge (Kyla), Luke Morine (Ashley), Amos Morine (Rebecca), Emma Ells (Ben), Mitchell Reeves (Kyla), Briana Morine, Nathan Ells (Victoria), Taryn Fudge (Arthur), Tessa Fudge (Logan), Alex Keddy, Julia Keddy, Rebecca Keddy, Matthew Keddy, Andrew Keddy. He is survived by three sisters: Greta West, Berwick, Marcelle Elliott (Eugene), New Ross, Kaye Countway, Chester. He was predeceased by four brothers: Norwood, Chester, Sheldon, Edward; five sisters: Nina, Leola, Wilma, Irene and Patricia. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, staff and social workers of the QEII, Cardiovascular unit 5.1 for their specialized and compassionate care of Garnet. We would also like to thank friends, family, and co-workers for their support over the last two weeks. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home & Chapels, New Ross Chapel, 4935 Hwy 12 New Ross (902-689-2961). Visitation will be held at the Forties Community Centre on Thursday, September 29th from 6:30-8:30pm. The Memorial Service will be held at the New Ross Baptist Church on Friday, September 30th at 2pm with Rev. Doug Porter officiating and a time of remembrance and refreshments to follow. A private family interment will take place at the New Ross Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Garnet's memory to the 5.1 CVIC unit of the QEII, the New Ross Fire Department, the New Ross Baptist Church, or the New Ross Baptist Cemetery Fund.