Keith Lawrence Cook

Obituary

Passed on January 26, 2022

October 3, 1961 – January 26, 2022     Suddenly, while on the job at Muskrat Dam in NW Ontario, Keith passed away at the age of 60. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lois (nee Benedictson), whom he took great joy in reminding that she was older than he was – and he made sure everyone knew it. He is also survived by his daughters, of whom he was immensely proud: Melissa (Barry) Hopman, Christy (Adam) Putz, Rachelle (Jim) Manness and Megan Hnatiuk; grandchildren, his pride and joy: Sebastian, Caleb and Charolette Hnatiuk; his sisters Lois Matis (Rod Boles), Lorine (David) Waters and Beryl (Rudy) Singbiel; Lois’s family and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Rosella Cook, his brother-in-law Steve Matis and niece Shelley Matis.

Keith grew up in the Komarno area where he farmed with his parents, married and raised his family. His spontaneous adventures with his family made many wonderful memories, from going to hotels with waterslides, often including extended family, a spur of the moment midnight trip to Winnipeg to a Garth Brooks CD release, camping trips, adventures to BC because “it rained too much to make hay”, taking the whole family on a Caribbean cruise to a last-minute trip to Disney World that included the grandkids, just to name a few.

He learned to operate Cat dozers as a teenager and continued to work in the construction industry in Manitoba as an equipment operator, in Saskatchewan as a Consultant and on the Husky Sunrise Project in Fort McMurray, Alberta, as a Supervisor. About ten years ago he and Lois decided to start their own construction company, K & L Contracting Ltd., completing many projects across Manitoba. Keith took great pride in putting a pushpin on the map where each project was located. He had a knack for estimating a job, the logistics to complete the job efficiently and establishing a congenial rapport with employees, clients and engineers alike.

He was so looking forward to retirement this fall, was excited to tour in their RV, and spend their winters at their newly purchased condo in Texas, that had his favourite, “a pool within walking distance!” He wasn’t one to shy away from sharing his opinion but he had a heart of gold, helped family and friends whenever he could, especially if it involved something with more than 100 horse power! He took co-workers and employees under his wing, mentoring them in both work and life skills. He always had everyone laughing and was the life of every party. His competitive spirit was evident when playing Scrabble, Chess or any game where it was “boys against the girls”. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Thanks to JoAnne and Sandra and everyone for your prayers, condolences, food, etc. and for your offers of meals, support and assistance. A special thanks to Clayton who went above and beyond when we couldn’t be there.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

John 11:25 “… I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

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