Roy Charles Herbert Keld

Roy Charles Herbert Keld was born on February 20, 1929 in Portsmouth, England. Legend has it that it was so cold on that morning, a bowl of porridge set outside to cool was quickly frozen to the wall on which it sat. Roy was one of 9 children born to Elsie Sophia and Ernest John Keld.

As a young boy during the war years, Roy was one of the many children evacuated to the countryside to live in protection from German bombs hitting the cities of England. He was very happy to get home and back to his family when the war ended.

Roy married Eva Hirst in 1950 and they welcomed son David in 1951 and daughter Deirdre in 1954. They took the bold and brave step to emigrate to Vancouver Island, Canada in 1957. Daughter Susan was born there in 1959.

Roy writes “I did have a trade (shipyard pipefitter) when me, my wife and kids emigrated to the Comox Valley in 1957. Although, when we landed first in Vancouver, the TV announced that the dockyard had just laid off 600 men so I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Jack of all trades was the way to go which is how I got my first job in Canada at the Upper Campbell Lake dam. Here I am 65 years later and I’m still a jack of all trades although I can’t tell you what my next job will be. Thank you to all those who helped me in Canada. Regards to you all”.

In the ensuing years, he formed his own business, K&G Heating, which he ran for many years with his partner. Roy was also a self-taught carpenter and later an electrician. He built several homes in Courtenay and Royston (in his spare time). His motto was ‘why hire someone when you can do it yourself’.

Roy was an avid lawn bowler and won several titles at the BC Senior games over the years. He was instrumental in helping to plan and build the clubhouse and greens in Bill Moore Park.

Always a brave adventurer, Roy chose to set off on this last adventure on his terms and he passed away peacefully in his own home surrounded by his family.

Roy was predeceased by Eva in 1995. He leaves behind his former companion, Josie.

He bids farewell to his remaining sisters and nieces and nephews in England. Roy leaves behind his three children – Dave (Casey), Deirdre and Sue (Chris); grandchildren – Shawna, Pamela, Ron, Derek, Shawn, Holly and Ben and 8 great grandchildren.

Please remember Roy by doing a good deed or extending a kind word.