Harry “Keith” Martindale
1936-2023
Saddened that he is gone, but comforted in knowing that he is no longer in pain.
The family of Harry Keith Martindale announce his peaceful passing on March 2nd, 2023, at the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility.
Keith was born on March 31st, 1936 in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan to Harry and Esther Martindale. Keith was the sixth child of nine children. Over time, the family eventually relocated from Rose Valley, SK to the New Bliss district, where Keith and his siblings attended school. At the age of 16, Keith boarded a train, left the district, and set out for Melfort, SK, where he worked for a local farmer and eventually became a farm help at the farm of his sister and brother-in-law. From there, Keith moved to Spiritwood, SK where he was employed by Spiritwood Dray.
Keith gained new skills and experience and worked in other locations in Western Canada, such as Estevan, Drayton Valley, Dawson Creek, and the Yukon. He also worked on the Alaskan highway and the Hanson Lake road.
On a Spring-like December 15th day, 1962, Keith married Marleen Schuster. During the first year of their marriage, Keith worked as a truck driver, working throughout the province of Saskatchewan.
He worked on both the E.B. Campbell Dam (formerly ''Squaw Rapids Dam'') and then the Gardiner Dam.
After a period of time, Keith took up farming until 1971. Keith and Marleen relocated their family from the farm in New Bliss District to Hudson Bay, SK.
Keith, with his traits of hard work, loyalty, and commitment, began a successful job with MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. This chosen career path concluded in 1998, when Keith decided to retire after 28 years.
During these years they welcomed their daughter Paula in the Summer of 1964, and sons Marty in the Fall of 1966, and Kelly in the Fall of 1971.
In 2002, Keith had a life changing stroke. There were challenging times and difficult adjustments for him and everyone involved around him. With the support of Marleen, and Keith’s determination, he adjusted and continued on with life until his passing.
Keith and Marleen, over the years, were involved in many social events. They enjoyed driving country roads, looking for deer and elk. Keith had an eye of a hawk, seeing wild life miles away, where no others could see. Keith attended his kids sporting activities, and made wonderful memories attending minor hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels, baseball tournaments, dances, and family gatherings. He was a beloved fan of hockey’s greatest ambassador, Gordie Howe, and a loyal Philadelphia Flyer, Edmonton Eskimo, Cincinnati Red and Baltimore Oriole fan.
The most simplest pleasures in life brought Keith great joy. Keith’s garden was his most beautiful masterpiece. He possessed a unique combination of traits; straight and long rows with fertile grounds.
He appreciated the unpredictability of mother nature, and the ambition to grow his prized tomatoes and other vegetables. He was kindheartedly generous and was proud to share his bounty with others.
Keith was an avid outdoorsman who cherished his time picking blueberries, raspberries, saskatoon’s, and spending time in his yard, grooming his hedges and trimming the grass. He had a love of fishing, hunting, and trapping with his brothers, dad, family, and friends over the years.
Keith is survived by his loving wife of 60 years: Marleen, daughter: Paula Kowalko (Joseph Koncz) of Kelliher SK, sons: Marty (Angie) of Calgary AB, and Kelly (Leah) Rocky Mountain House AB;
grandchildren: Alina and Shaine Kowalko, Marcus Martindale, Carter, Shivaun and Chloe Martindale, and great grandchild: Bennett Kowalko; sisters: Leola Bradley and Joyce Davidson, and brothers: Wayne (Elaine) and Lorne (Ellen), as well as many nieces, nephews, and members of Marleen’s family, along with friends Keith met on his journey in life.
Keith was predeceased by his parents Harry (1984) and Esther (2003), brother Leslie (1955), sister Louise Delehay (2009), brother Phil (2010), sister Marge Backus (2018), brothers-in-law: Warren Lothian (1968), Theodore Pladson (1988), Lloyd Delehay (2004), Glen Backus (2006), Roy Bradley (2017), sister-in-law: Isabelle Martindale (2019), niece Daphne Fennell (1952), nephew Kim Martindale (2000), nephew Jim Lothian (2022), along with friends, and numerous members of Marleen’s family.
Keith’s family is very grateful to the staff, nurses, doctors, and specialist in both Saskatoon Medical Centres and at the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility.
If family or friends so wish, memorial donation may be made in Keith’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility.
Service will be held at a later date.