Obituary of Fred Keilback

The family invites you to watch the livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial for Fred Keilback. Please CLICK HERE

Frederick Joseph Keilback

Fred Keilback of Brandon, passed away peacefully with family by his side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

Fred is survived by his children Shane (Christine) and Brent (Karen). Fred is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Kelsey, Bryce, Eric, and Hayden. He was predeceased by his wife Pauline in 2016.

Born in Brokenhead, Manitoba, April 18, 1934, to parents Frank and Catherine Keilback, on their family farm, Fred was the second youngest of five children: Irene, Gordon, Clifford, and Evelyn. Fred’s early years were spent living across Canada in Beausejour, Winnipeg, Mahone Bay, and Vancouver for high school.

Fred joined the Canadian Air Force in 1955. His first posting was in Rivers, Manitoba where he worked as a bookkeeper. A Friday night dance at the Orange Hall in Brandon is where Fred met Pauline Semeniuk, who would become the love of his life. Married in 1959, Fred and Pauline started their life’s adventure when they were posted to CFB Ottawa. Fred was able to realize his dream, seeing more of the world with postings in London, England and Zweibrucken, Germany. With two small children in tow, Fred and Pauline travelled to France, Germany, and Italy. Upon returning to Canada, Fred’s postings included Portage la Prairie, Dana, Churchill, and Shilo. Fred retired in 1980 after settling in Brandon in 1979.

Being a devoted husband and father, Fred actively helped to raise and coach his two sons. Every summer Fred took his young family camping, often visiting extended family in BC. Pauline and Fred continued to travel after retirement. A cruise to Alaska and a cherished 40^th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii were highlights.  Fred played hockey, golf, baseball, football, and he curled. Fred enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and cribbage. He loved going to Brandon Wheat King hockey games and had a passion for watching all sports on tv.

Fred regularly corresponded with friends from all over the world.  He was a very social person who liked to have fun and who could strike up a conversation with anyone he met.  After Pauline moved to Fairview Personal Care Home, a big part of Fred’s daily routine was visiting there, sometimes more than once a day.  Fred was so proud of his sons and daughters in law and valued the special relationships he developed with each of his grandchildren.   

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 20, 2023, at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church.  A private interment will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to the ICU and third floor staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and to Father James Ahaneku, from St. Augustine’s Church for filling Fred’s last days with dignity and peace.