Obituary of Keith Wilkinson

February 26, 1948 – Copenhagen, Denmark
January 28, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Keith Wilkinson, beloved husband of Jill Zonneveld, Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022, at the age of 73 years.

Keith began life in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 26, 1948. He lived his early years in England and was educated at Ipswich School and Trinity College, Cambridge University, 1967 to 1970 with a Major in History.

It was during these years that Keith developed his passion for rugby!

During his years in school, with the Royal Air Force, and his life in Canada, he was involved in rugby. He played at Ipswich, Cambridge in England, and then in Canada, he played for the Montreal Wanderers, Ste Anne de Bellevue, as well as for Rugby Canada. Keith earned three caps during his tenure from 1976 to 1979. His first cap was against the Barbarians in 1976. Keith coached rugby in Quebec, and later in Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario. Keith was first a national team selector for Canada, then became the Director of National Men’s Team XV, manager, and coach for National Seven’s – he was a mentor to many young players throughout his career. Keith spent over 30 years as a beloved and much-admired member of the English Department at John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. He was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer, providing leadership training to high school students (Outdoor Challenge), leading expeditions into the wilderness (Branson School), and setting up the first rafting company (W3) on the Rivière Rouge with two of his friends.

Keith is much loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Jill, his children, David (Kristina), Rhian and Sara (Chris); their mother, Shan Evans, his brother, Neil (Jean); grandchildren, Zachary, Ben, Zoé, Alfie, and Zara; as well as a great many in-laws, friends, former students, colleagues, and teammates.

A Private Memorial Service for family and friends will be held in Calgary, AB, on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Montreal in the spring, details to be announced at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made in Keith’s name to the St. Michael’s Hospital Movement Disorder Clinic by following the directions at https://stmichaelsfoundation.com/ways-to-donate/.

In living memory of Keith Wilkinson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.