Jack leaves Yvonne (Robichaud), his wife of more than 57 years, his sister Carole Wright, daughter Jennifer (Anthony) Doyle and his joy, his granddaughters Áine and Mairéad Doyle. He is predeceased by his parents Ian and Marion (Wallace) Keith, brother-in-law Ian Wright and by his beloved son David Keith.
Jack was born in Stellarton on October 10th, 1938 and in July 1957 he joined Scotiabank in his home town. After 10 years of progressive appointments in the Maritimes, (including Saint John where he met and married Yvonne in May 1964) he made the move from Charlottetown, PEI to Montreal, PQ as Second Assistant Manager in Montreal’s Main Branch. From there commencing in 1971 he enjoyed some wonderful international assignments starting with New York Agency, then London, England (1973-78). Next, Jack was appointed as Manager, Scotiabank Centre in Kingston, Jamaica in 1978 which led to a promotion one year later as General Manager, The Bank of Nova Scotia (Jamaica) Ltd. After spending nearly five years in Jamaica, Jack returned to his home Province in May 1983 as Regional Senior Vice-President & General Manager, Nova Scotia Regional Office. His final appointment in his impressive 44 year career was Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Region which he assumed in November 1986. Jack later retired in November 2001.
While Jack had a wonderful career, he would be the first to tell you that Yvonne was “the rock of my (his) career”. Moving to and living in these international locations with his family had its challenges, and Yvonne’s major contributions enabled Jack to perform his ‘Banker’ role.
When Jack and his family returned to Canada, he became involved with organizations such as the Terry Fox Foundation (Terry Fox Run), Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and Canadian Bankers Association. In 1993 Jack received the Order of Canada for his outstanding volunteerism in education, the arts and cancer fundraising and was described as a “banker with large reserves of social conscience”. In addition to the Order of Canada medal which he wore with pride, he was presented with the 125 Anniversary of Confederation of Canada Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Jack’s contributions to the community, including the Saint Mary's University community have been immense. He served as Chairman of the Board of Governors at Saint Mary's, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors, Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Major Gifts Division and a member of the Executive Committee and the Investment Committee. He was awarded the Honorary Gold "M" in 1997 by the Saint Mary's University Student Association which is given to a non-student in recognition of their contribution to student affairs. His contributions to the Saint Mary's community and the Halifax community earned him an Honorary Doctor of Commerce in 1998.
Other positions Jack has held include President of the Halifax Club, Chairman of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, Chairman of the Nova Scotia Committee of the Canadian Bankers Association and Chairman of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia where he has been named Honorary Governor (for life). He was Chairman of the Halifax Millennium Committee and Chairman of the Halifax Foundation. He has also served on several other boards and committees such as Sobeys Art Foundation, Cancer Care, Historica, and World Wildlife Federation. As well, Jack has been a longtime member of the Eager Beaver Investment Club and Ashburn Golf Club. He has been a supporter of Bonny Lea Farms and was a regular at the annual fundraising golf tournament at Chester Golf Club for years. Jack also enjoyed The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and he took the traditional salute as a huge supporter.
Additionally, Jack and Yvonne offer the following endowed awards at Saint Mary’s University; the Jack and Yvonne Keith Entrance Award, and the David Keith Memorial Athletic Award.
He was a loving husband and father who took the role of grandfather seriously. Jack could often be found reading a newspaper or watching a football game and loved to get together with friends and family to celebrate.
Jack’s family would like to extend its gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the caregivers & staff at the Neurosurgery Unit 7.3 of the Halifax Infirmary Site, QEII. Gratitude is also extended to the Emergency Department Staff of QEII and the EHS Paramedics as well as Hospice Halifax staff who initially aided Jack.
Visitation will take place at JA Snow Funeral Home at 339 Lacewood Drive in Halifax on Saturday, April 23rd from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. The family strongly requests you continue to wear your mask.
Although Covid restrictions have been lifted recently, Jack will be laid to rest at a family ceremony to take place at a later date.
Memorial donations in Jack’s honor can be made on this site: https://www.smu.ca/giving/keith-memorial.html or, please feel free to make a donation in Jack’s honor to a charity of your choosing.
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