Obituary of Keith Van Camp
Peacefully, at his residence on Friday, January 1, 2021, in his 87th year after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Beloved husband of Wilma (nee Toms) for over 64 years. Dear father of Cindy Werry (Dennis), Barry Van Camp (Steven), Leanne O’Donnell (Jim), Debbie Van Camp-Showler and Jay Van Camp (Kelly). Loving grandfather of John (Heather), Robert (Tracey), Ashley (Nate), Kaitlin (Peter), Amanda, Erika, Madison and Haley. Great-grandfather of Paige, Tate, Leah, Anna, Curtis, Chase, Ty, Kenzie and Tilson. Dear brother of Aileen Van Camp and predeceased by Merrill Van Camp (2003). Keith will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Keith was born in Blackstock, Ontario on Groundhog Day in 1934 to Percy and Elva (nee Wright) Van Camp. From an early age he had a keen eye for livestock and a passion for the industry that took him across Canada, USA and Brazil. He made lifelong friendships through his involvement in the swine, dairy, beef, sheep, horse and goat show rings. A trip of a lifetime took him, Wilma, Cindy, Barry, niece Marie and nephew Dale across Canada in 1969 with a truck, trailer and a load of 18 show sheep competing at 7 exhibitions from Manitoba to Vancouver. Keith travelled the roads as a Dairy Goat Classifier, always looked forward to the annual trip to the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI and exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for 71 consecutive years. He proudly watched his children and grandchildren compete over the years, sending them into the ring with his usual “drive on”. Most recently cheering on his great grandchildren in the Royal Junior Dairy Goat show in 2019, with his family ringside was a highlight. Keith loved the sport of curling and belonged to the esteemed “Eight Ender Club”. He was a horse racing enthusiast, a talented woodworker, an avid card player and Wilma’s right hand as they looked after community buildings, events and catering for many years. Above all this, it was Keith’s love of family and the countless family gatherings to celebrate life’s milestones that Keith held most dear. He will forever be our mentor, coach, cheerleader and guide. We will miss his laugh, his leather vest, his kind wink and his mischievous smile. A special thank-you to Barry and Steven for their unconditional care, support, and compassion shown.
A private family service will be held at the WAGG FUNERAL HOME, 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985-2171). Interment Cartwright Union Cemetery, Blackstock. If desired, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Blackstock Nestleton United Church or a charity of your choice. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.waggfuneralhome.com