Obituary of Reta Verla Laverne KEELAN

September 21, 1924 – August 29, 2011 On August 29, 2011, Reta Verla “Laverne” Keelan (nee Best) slipped peacefully from this world to join her beloved, Larry. Laverne was born on September 21, 1924 and was the treasured daughter of Bert and Reta Best. As an adult she sold her horse in order to buy her hair dressing salon in Grande Prairie, AB and it was there she met Flying Officer Laurence Keelan. She married him on July 16, 1947 and went on to raise six children: Leslie (Andy), Valerie, David (Monika), Tom (Theresa), Dan and Julie (Peter). As she nurtured her children, she supported Larry’s military career, often hosting both military and political dignitaries. The little farm girl from Val Marie, SK became a knowledgeable, accomplished woman who yet retained her warm and affectionate nature. After Larry’s retirement in 1974, their beautiful home in Kelowna, BC became the family gathering place. There her nine much loved grandchildren: Kathleen, Jaime, Alex, Anthony, Chris, Meghan, Brittany, Jordan and Nick climbed the cherry tree and played with her on the beach and at the water slide. Her children were special to her and she welcomed each of us with our favourite childhood foods, joined in all the sing-songs and listened and laughed with us as we told her about our lives. The world was a better, kinder place while she was in it and that legacy lives still and will be remembered by all of us. There is no one like you Mom. We will love and miss you forever. A private family service was held on September 1, 2011 in Calgary, AB. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Laverne and Larry Keelan, trees will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.