Obituary of Keith Jerrard Schweer

Keith Jerrard Schweer

(October 15, 1932 - July 9, 2021)

 Keith Jerrard Schweer was born on October 15, 1932.  Due to complications following a fall, he peacefully passed away on July 9, 2021 at the age of 88. “It is time for me to go” were his spoken words to all who were able to visit that day.

Keith married Elsie Orr in December 1952. In his early married years, he worked in the coal mines, but his real passion was farming.  On the farm near Rosalind, Keith worked hard morning, noon and night.  Finally retiring for the evening, he would enjoy a cold potato sandwich for a snack.  When he and Elsie sold the farm, they moved to an acreage near the Enright place where they still planted a large garden.  Keith’s love for horses led him to purchase several miniature ones. Keith and Elsie moved to a house in Camrose to truly retire.  Here, Keith became involved in the senior centre playing crib and floor curling.  In the fall of 2016, Keith moved into Rosealta where he reacquainted with old friends and made many new ones.  

Keith always enjoyed sports either as a participant or spectator.  At the age of 74, he first held a golf club and greatly cherished golfing with his family especially at the annual Schweer/Trachuk tournament or playing an early golf game with his dear friend, Bill. He loved cheering for his Toronto Blue Jays and Edmonton Oilers. However, his loudest cheers were for his grandkids and great-grandkids while they played baseball, hockey, soccer or basketball.

A highpoint in Keith’s life was two visits to Norway.  Outside of Brumunddal, he visited the farm where his maternal grandfather had worked as a farmhand.  In Sykkylven, Keith met his cousins. There, he walked the path his maternal grandmother took while she carried two pails of milk hanging from a yoke-like structure across her shoulders.  The terrain was steep and rocky, but Keith walked it.  He was very proud of this achievement. He was thankful to have had the opportunity to retrace his roots and often said he would love to return. 

Keith is lovingly remembered by his girls who in his eyes spoiled him: Carol (Don) Martin, Judy (Gerald) Stayura, Susan (Lawrence) Trachuk, Jane (Paul) Dewald and Faye (Mark) Yuha; eighteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren; sisters Joan East, Carolyn Schweer and Ida (Murray) Langille as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Keith was predeceased by his wife, Elsie, his son, Allan, and his great-granddaughter, Jenna Brodie. Keith was immensely proud of his family and leaves behind a legacy of wonderful memories and abundant love.

A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 15, 2021 from the CityLights Church (4920 48 St, Camrose) with Rev. Deborah Ann Taylor officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Melville Cemetery. 

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Keith's memory may be made to the Melville Cemetery (C/O Dennis Anderson Box 72 Kelsey, AB T0B 2K0).