After a courageous and extended battle with cancer, Raymond “Lloyd” Keates was released peacefully from his illness on May 26, 2020 at the age of 60 years old. Lloyd will be forever remembered by his beloved wife and best friend, Melody Keates, mother Ursula Keates, mother-in-law Ethel Bell, three children Jeany Keates (Chris) of Winnipeg, Diana Bostock (Chris) of Revelstoke, Kevin Keates (Rose) of Victoria, grandchildren Cooper, Daisy, Cora, Jacob, Henry, Oscar, and Molly. He also leaves to mourn siblings Barry (Sharon) Keates of Revelstoke, Glenn (Carol-Ann) Leidloff of Armstrong, Marina (Fred) Dunn of Agassiz, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. Lloyd was pre-deceased by mothers Jean Beasley & Lorraine Carey, father Cyril Keates, and father-in-law Gordon Bell.
Lloyd was born (1959) and raised in Revelstoke, BC. Lloyd faced significant challenges during his childhood years, including the loss of his first mom when he was 9 years old (1968), followed by an eye accident the subsequent year. While in the hospital for his eye in Boston, he was visited by Bobby Orr, and following this visit, became a lifelong fan of the Bruins. Shortly after his father remarried, Lloyd’s second mom passed away (1971). Lloyd overcame these challenges through his love of sports and friendship, being involved in hockey, baseball, curling, soccer, water skiing, golfing and bowling. He attended a number of provincial-level competitions in highschool for various sports. Lloyd was also known for receiving many sports awards at RSS.
Lloyd first met Melody in 1978, and they married in 1979. Lloyd was working at Cooper’s at the time and remained there for his 36-year career. Lloyd was a hands-on dad with their 3 children, and enjoyed taking them to the lake, water-skiing, camping, and coaching them in sports.
Through his role as assistant manager at Cooper’s, Lloyd trained and mentored many young employees over the years, and he was known as always being respectful and caring, and passionate about his work. He knew the names of nearly everyone who walked through the store doors to shop. Lloyd loved Revelstoke, and his wife always jokes that Lloyd could have worked for the Chamber of Commerce in an advertising role to promote Revelstoke.
Lloyd remained active in sports for most of his life. He was known as “Coach Kleats” for the Cooper’s baseball team and was a member of the Revelstoke Curling Club, playing in many bonspiels over the years. Lloyd loved watching sports, keeping up on stats and talking about his Bruins. Lloyd enjoyed camping, fishing, and golfing, especially with his friends. He and Melody were happy taking trips with friends abroad for vacations, or in their camper through the BC interior. They also enjoyed their trips to Newfoundland to visit Lloyd’s extended family.
Being a Grandpa was Lloyd’s best role. Lloyd loved his 7 grandchildren dearly, encouraging and spending time with them through sports, camping, boating, fishing, huckleberry picking and relaxing. His family appreciated that the things in life that Lloyd cherished, were things he could share with others, including his house, boat, camper, food, and his time. He was an excellent cook, and even in his final days, he was planning what his family would have for supper. He was known as being extremely devoted to his wife, kids, grandkids, and friends, and will be dearly missed by all who had the wonderful pleasure of knowing him.
A virtual celebration was held during Lloyd’s final days with family and friends sharing over 2 hours of memories and stories. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lloyd’s name towards a Memorial Bench located in Revelstoke where it can be enjoyed by all. Donations can be sent directly to The City of Revelstoke, P.O. Box 170, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0 earmarked for Lloyd Keates’ bench.
The Keates Family would like to thank Dr. Haines, as well as the many nurses in Vernon and Revelstoke who cared for Lloyd over the past 6 years.
Messages of sympathy can be sent to Lloyd’s family by viewing his obituary at: www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
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