Obituary of Thomas Keith Knox

THOMAS KEITH KNOX March 4, 1940 May 6, 2012 On Sunday, May 6, 2012, Thomas Keith Knox, S.V.M., 72, late of Regina died in Wascana Grace Hospice, less than 3 months after being diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Predeceased by his parents, Muriel Knox (19092010) and Bruce Knox (19092004), and ex-wife Patricia Bradley (1944-1994), Keith is survived by sons James Knox of Calgary and Robert Knox (Kate Smart); granddaughters, Valentina Knox of Morden, MB and Bronwyn Knox; sister Evelyn Rogers (Lilja Stefansson); niece Heather Herrell (Bill Morton); nephew Ian Rogers (Liz Ormiston); cousin Jim Argue (Laura); aunts Muriel Snell, Joyce Wellings and Alma Medhurst of Edmonton; and by numerous cousins and long-time friends. Keith was born in Regina on March 4, 1940 and was raised as a member of St. Andrews United Church. He attended Albert School, graduated from Scott Collegiate and soon launched a 43-year-career with the Consumers Co-operative Refinery. Although he would have succeeded in any occupation, Keith enjoyed working at the refinery. He loved that when his shift was done he didnt have to take work home, leaving time to pursue other activities. From an early age, Keith took an active interest in his community with a view to making the world a better place. Keiths broad range of interests included music, transportation, and the protection of Saskatchewans and Canadas historical and architectural heritage. His interest in aviation led him to obtain his private pilots license in 1961. It was through music that Keith met Patricia Bradley, an accomplished soprano. Keith and Patricia were married in Milestone, SK on July 12, 1969 and they welcomed their sons James and Rob in 1973 and 1976, respectively. He had a terrific sense of humour and fun, delighting peoples hearts with gag gifts, throwing a party in his Union Jack Pub for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana and, while on vacation, reciting his entry in the annual Teachers Club St. Patricks Day Limerick Contest over a long distance call from a pub in Dublin, Ireland. Keith loved travelling and exploring the world. Whether it was gravel roads in Saskatchewan or trips to Europe, he loved learning about the people and places he visited. Keith served in leadership positions in many organizations; over the years, he served as president of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society, Transport 2000 Saskatchewan, the Regina Astronomical Society, the Regina Male Voice Choir and the Regina Plains Museum. He was a founding chair/member of the Citys Transit Advisory Committee, the Regina Lyric Light Opera Society, Biographies Regina, Heritage Regina, the Bell Barn Society of Indian Head, the Saskatchewan Architectural Heritage Society, the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society and the local branches of the Monarchist League of Canada and the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. Keith also served as Vice Chair of the City of Reginas Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, former Chair of the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Monarchist League of Canada, board member of the Government House Historical Society and the Regina Teachers Club, Saskatchewan Governor of the Heritage Canada Foundation and as a member the Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society. Keith was well-known and respected in the community. His contributions to his community were many and he was very dedicated to these endeavours. In 1985, Keith received the Monarchist League of Canadas Silver Medal for Exceptional Service and the Volunteer Recognition Award from the City of Regina/Saskatchewan Culture & Recreation. The Province awarded Keith the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2006 for outstanding volunteer service and exceptional community involvement as a historian. Indeed, just two days before he died he suggested he should attend a May 7 meeting to discuss the preservation of Reginas historic Davin fountain. Keith was a member of the Regina Male Voice Choir for 52 of its 100 years, having joined at age 20. The choir was important to Keith; he looked forward to its annual concert each spring and organized the annual Christmas concert at the Bushwakker Brewpub, later adding the tradition of the Boars Head Carol. Keith was also very fond of his two granddaughters. He encouraged Valentina particularly in her musical endeavours and enjoyed watching Bronwyn grow up and planning her future activities. His warmth, wisdom, involvement and influence in their lives will be greatly missed. Keith faced his illness with incredible bravery and inner-strength. Once it was clear that his condition was terminal, Keith was characteristically matter-of-fact. He didnt spend any time feeling sorry for himself. Keith arranged a First Funereal Firkin party at the Bushwakker Brewpub on April 23rd for one last chance to get together with friends and family. Planning the event and reading RSVPs gave Keith a very positive focus during his last weeks. Keith wished it to be a celebratory occasion, and it certainly was! The pub was packed with over 100 people who came from as far as New York City and Ottawa with only a few days notice. On April 28th he attended a family birthday party at the Chimney restaurant for his son, Rob. Only 8 days later, Keith died peacefully in the afternoon with his family by his side. Keith was a jovial, knowledgeable and steady force in his familys life. Everyone will miss his cheerful nature, the twinkle in his eye, his pranks, his silly gifts, and most of all his wealth of knowledge. Keiths family would like to thank the Pasqua Hospitals Palliative Care Unit and the remarkable staff at the Wascana Grace Hospice for their excellent care during Keiths final weeks. Thank you to Will Chabun for his article about Keiths life in the May 8th Leader-Post. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Westminster United Church, 3025 13th Avenue, Regina, SK with Darrell Reine officiating. Interment in Regina Memorial Gardens. Donations in Keiths memory may be made to the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Road, Regina, SK, S4R 8P6. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com