Shannon and family
Deepest condolences
So sad to hear of your fathers passing
He was such a nice man
Working with him on crime stoppers was a pleasure
CAREY, Gordon Keith
1942 - 2025
Our Patriarch passed away, suddenly at home, on 21 July 2025. Predeceased by his loving wife, Sharon Carey on 07 June 1992, grandson, Isaac Murney and son-in-law, Bill Murney, he is survived by his three children, Shannon Carey, Trevis Carey, and Michael and his spouse, Deborah Carey. He will be profoundly missed by his grandchildren, Elyjah, Natasha, Aaron and his partner, Gail Aitchson, and Jacob Murney; Melissa and her husband, Erik Bliss, and Karl and his wife, Nikki Carey. He was adored by his great-grandchildren Spencer and Felix Aitchson, Lilian, Cameron and Naomi Murney-Stephen, and Adalyn and Alex Bliss.
Keith was born in Boissevain, MB to Charles and Hazel Carey (predeceased) on 06 Feb 1942. The third of six children, he was predeceased by his brother, Donald Carey, his brother, Arthur and his wife, Betty Carey, and his brother Everett Carey. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Bonnie Carey, brother Ivan and wife Linda Carey, sister-in-law, Phyllis Carey, and sister Karen and husband Richard Anderson. Numerous nieces and nephews have wonderful memories of Uncle Keith and the time he spent with them.
Keith grew up with his brothers and sister on the Noble farm in the Fairburn district, in Southwestern MB. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and then went to high school in Boissevain. In Feb 1962, Keith joined the RCAF and was initially posted to St. Jean, QC for basic training, choosing Military Policing as his trade. From there he was posted to Moosonee, ON where he met his wife, Sharon; they married on 01 Mar 1965. In Nov 1965, Keith was transferred to Comox, BC. He elected not to reenlist and in Feb of 1967, he was released. He applied to and was accepted to the OPP. Moving back to ON, while waiting to attend to join the OPP, Keith worked at the Wabi Ironworks in Haileybury. He graduated from the Aylmer Police College and joined the OPP in October of 1967. He served in Haileybury, ON and, in addition to his other duties, he became a breathalyzer technician and coach officer responsible for the training and evaluation of recruits. On 01 Nov 1979, Keith was promoted to Corporal and was transferred to Kirkland Lake, ON as a Shift Supervisor. In 1986, Keith was reclassified to Sergeant, and assumed the role of Kirkland Lake Detachment Commander in February of 1990, and continued in this role until taking early retirement in March of 1996. During his career, Keith was awarded the OPP Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in Oct 1982, served as a Peer Support Counselor, and was awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal in Oct 1992. In 1993, Keith began making an annual spring pilgrimage to partake in a “gopher safari”; he spent many happy hours thinning out the gopher population on several farms in SW MB, helping Ivan and Linda on their farm where he could and visiting family and friends.
In August of 2000, Keith joined the board of Kirkland Lake and Area Crime Stoppers; he served as President until his death. Additionally, he was serving as President of the North East Zone of the Ontario Crime Stoppers. Even in retirement, Keith was dedicated to reducing crime. He was a long-time member of the Larder Lake Senior’s Club, where he made numerous friends, and played many, many games of pool.
Keith was a wonderful husband, dad and Poppa. We can honestly say he never raised his voice or a hand to us, and had the patience of a saint! Keith so enjoyed playing with his grandchildren; they have many happy memories of sliding down his driveway during winter visits, fishing, playground and beach time in the summers. As his grandchildren had children, these adventures continued; he always had time to play, to read, to help construct playdough statues and always, always he loved.
Dad/Poppa-ism’s abound; he had a saying for everything. Cold and windy outside, “that wind is coming off a polar bear’s arse!” Issues with technology, “I’m in my geezerhood, you know.” Helping out on a project, “I carry my left hand around so I have something to hit with the hammer!” Busy, swamped and at your wit’s end, “When you’re up to your ass in alligators, it’s hard to remember the initial goal was to drain the swamp!” Compiling a book of these –ism’s is now a family project.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is planned for Thursday 07 Aug 2025 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 87, 1 Summerhayes Avenue, Kirkland Lake, ON, with service to start at 3:30pm. The service will also be available as a Faceook Live event through Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s memory can be made to:
Kirkland Lake and Area Crime Stoppers
c/o Box 67,
Swastika, ON
P0K 1T0
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/crime-stoppers-of-kirkland-lake-inc/
Write your sympathies or tribute
27 messages received
Shannon and family
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you much love and support.
Trevis & family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Stan Skalecki
Shannon, Trevis, Michiel and family
I had the pleasure of working with your dad from 1989 until his retirement in 1996, just prior to the amalgamation with KL Police Service.
In my 30 year career Keith was one of the best supervisor I ever worked with
. When Don Webster was transferred to Sudbury, Keith designated me 2IC and left me in charge of things when he made his yearly expedition west for the “gofher safari”.
We were always intrigued by the final count.
Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time.
Shannon, Trevis, Michael and families
Sending huge hugs! I will SO miss my "big bother". Yep, his sayings!! When he was visiting us the summer Stacey and Steven were born he was helping me weed carrots and told me it was like "picking fly shit out of pepper"! That it was!! Always willing to lend a hand and hold up a bike!!
Carey Family
Lloyd and I are sorry to hear of your loss.
Keith always enjoyed his hunting safari.
Please accept our condolences.
The Carey Family
I am saddened to hear the loss of your father. Your dad was such a kind man. Hugs to you all.
May my support
warm your heart
Carey family
I knew Keith from when I started with Town of Kirkland Lake Police in 1987 as we worked together with the OPP, he retired just before we switched to OPP. I would still see him often at the detachment as that is where he held Crime Stoppers meetings. He was a great guy and well respected, please accept my condolences on your loss.
Family & Friends of Keith Carey
Uncle Keith was always a fun loving, friendly, full of life kind of guy. He will be truly missed. Please accept our condolences on behalf of Bonnie Carey, Bev, Brad, & Stephanie Baraniuk, Marilyn Flieger & Dan Piekema, Jamie Carey and Cheryl Chambers.
May my support
warm your heart
The Carey Family
Condolences and Prayers to all the Carey family on the passing of Keith.
May my support
warm your heart
To the Carey Family.
Sgt Carey was a great person!
Offering the whole family my most sincere condolences!
May my support
warm your heart
Shannon & Family
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. Please accept my deepest condolences & cherish the wonderful memories you have of him.
Treviso and Family
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. May your treasured memories help you through.
The Carey Family
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.
Shannon and Family
Keith was an amazing man he made such a difference in the community. I was always amazed by his leadership in Crime Stoppers. H e knew how to handle a meeting better than anyone I had ever met. I appreciated his candor his honesty and his desire to serve the community in such a manner as to encourage others to do the same. He is warmly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
May my support
warm your heart
Shannon and Family
Keith was an amazing man. He made such a difference in the community. I was always amazed by his leadership in Crime Stoppers. H e knew how to handle a meeting better than anyone I had ever met. I appreciated his candor his honesty and his desire to serve the community in such a manner as to encourage others to do the same. He is warmly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
May my support
warm your heart
Shannon and family
My condolences in the passing of Keith. He was a very kind and gentle man and will be missed. RIP Keith.
May my support
warm your heart
Shannon and family
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of sorrow .
May my support
warm your heart
The Carey Family
Keith was my first Corporal I had on the OPP in my first posting in Kirkland Lake. I lived in Swastika as well. Keith’s quick wit and sayings made the job interesting. He was delightful to work with and made going to work every day a pleasure. I think of him often. My condolences to the Carey family.
Shannon and family
My sincere condolences! May he RIP
Travis
We are so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. When he was still working he oftentimes would come to the house for coffee. He was a great man who will be missed. May wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Carey Family
Keith was my first Cpl. when I arrived in Kirland Lake in 1985 and he was a terrific teacher and Supervisor but most importantly a true gentlemen. I was fortunate that we kept in contact through the years and I'm saddened to hear of his passing.
To his family, friends and former colleagues I extend my sincerest condolences.
Shannon, Michael, Trevis and extended family
We have great memories of Uncle Keith over the years. He was always interested in how things were going in everyone's lives. I am so glad we got to visit with Uncle Keith at the wedding in Winnipeg earlier this year. Hugs, thoughts and prayers are being sent your way from our family here in Deloraine to you.
Trevis
Sorry to read of your Dad's passing.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
May my support
warm your heart
Keith’s children
I am so sorry for the loss of your father and he was a long time friend to Wally and I and we will miss him May God continue to put His Loving Arms around all of his family’s and comfort them all God Bless you all
Keith Carey Family and Friends
So sad to loose such a great sole. Many organizations will grieve. CRIME STOPPERS, ZONE 41 Seniors. Larder Lake seniors club. What a loss for the community, he will be deeply missed.
May my support
warm your heart
Keith’s family
I had the pleasure of interacting with Keith over the years in his position with Crime Stoppers while I worked at OPP. He was a kind gentle soul. And knew him thru the seniors club in Larder as a good friend to my aunt. Rest easy Keith.
