Published in The Lake Report, June 25, 2026, page 26.
Every good story deserves to be told, and Don Keith spent a lifetime telling his.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, surrounded by family in the comfort of his home, Don peacefully completed the final chapter of a remarkable life, just days after celebrating his 92nd birthday.
Don’s story began in Montreal on June 6, 1934. As the years unfolded, his journey took him to Toronto and eventually to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where he built lasting friendships and became a cherished member of the community. For the past 27 years, he called King’s Point home and took great pride in helping shape its development, leaving a legacy that remains part of the community today.
One of Don’s greatest gifts was his memory. He could recall people, places, and moments from decades past with remarkable detail, bringing history to life through the stories he loved to share. Whether recounting an adventure, remembering an old friend, or reflecting on days gone by, Don had a way of making every story worth hearing. He was a historian at heart and a storyteller by nature.
His story was also one of love. Don is now reunited with his beloved wife, Kathleen Kenwood Keith, whose passing on June 17, 2011, left a space in his heart that never truly closed. Together they shared a life rich in memories, laughter, and companionship.
He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, along with countless friends and neighbours who came to know him affectionately as “Uncle Donnie.” His kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome in his company.
Don appreciated the finer things in life; not extravagance, but simple pleasures: a good meal, a great restaurant, a bottle of wine shared among friends, and conversations that lingered long after the table had been cleared. He had a saying whenever the cost of something came up: “It’s okay, it’s just the price of a bottle of wine.” It was a lighthearted reminder not to sweat the small things and to focus instead on what truly mattered.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teams from March of Dimes Canada and Niagara North Palliative Care, whose compassion and support helped make Don’s final chapter one of comfort, dignity, and peace.
If Don were writing the ending himself, he likely wouldn’t want grand gestures. Instead, he would encourage a simple act of kindness. In his memory, do a good deed for someone in need, share a story with a friend, raise a glass, and remember that life’s best moments are often worth far more than the price of a bottle of wine.
