Obituary of Keith Ivan Crowder

December 1, 1947 – Markham, Ontario

August 20, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

Keith Ivan Crowder entered heaven in the waiting arms of his late daughter Sonja Crowder on what was the third anniversary of her passing, also of cancer at the age of 40 years old. Keith would have been greeted by many pre-deceased family and close friends. Keith was 73 years old and the beloved husband of Lynne Crowder of Cochrane, AB, and their faithful companion, Zane.

As a young boy living in Brantford, Ontario he developed a love of music and picked up the french horn and the piano during his middle school years. After moving out to Calgary, AB in 1967 he went on to be an accomplished player in both. But, was drawn more to the French horn and after high school became a member of the Calgary Philharmonic in the late 1960’s and played for many years with the Calgary Concert Band and with the Calgary Stampede Grand Stand Show pit orchestra.

Keith obtained his Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation now called the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) while working full time and going to school at night in 1975. In 1979 he joined as Executive Director of CMA Alberta and worked for ten years working to update the professional standards and education requirements to further the reputation of the CMA certification process. In 1988, Keith received the FCMA designation, a prestigious national honorary designation that is awarded to CMAs who, through their own outstanding achievements, bring distinction to the management accounting profession and serve as role models for others.

Keith went on to work for many organizations such as Eastern Irrigation District, Western Irrigation District, Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Alberta Land Trust Society and his final destination before retirement was the Alberta Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada.

Keith was also a committed Board Member to organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, Heritage Park, Town of Cochrane Planning Commission, and the condo board of his residence in Cochrane.  

But, more than any of his professional accomplishments Keith will be missed for his sense of humour, his bear hugs, his smile and his unconditional love for family will leave a forever big hole in our hearts.

Keith’s biggest treasure in life was his love for family and close friends. Keith will be sorely missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Nadine and David Hof, and his only grandchild Lauren, all of Cochrane, and their canine family, Gabby and Bella.

Keith will also be greatly missed by his sister and brother-in-laws, Carol and Bill Hern and their family, Lori Hern-Heikoop and Alan Heikoop, Glynis Hern, and Paul Hern; Gary Lawrence and his family, Ryan and Megan Lawrence and their sons, Finley and Rhys, and Jennifer and Dale Martin and their daughter, Kristen; Robert and Ada Lawrence and their son, Brendan; Mark and Gert Lawrence and their family, Mathew and Stephanie Lawrence and partner Trevor Rosen and daughter’s Aubrey and Mckinnley; and Maureen Farish. He is also survived  by numerous other cousins reside throughout Western Canada, Ontario, the United Kingdom and France. His only remaining aunt, Grace Crowder, also resides in Ontario.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, Lorne and Doreen Crowder; and his in-laws Norman and Brenda Lawrence.

At Keith’s request, there will be no service and, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice, or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Keith Crowder, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.