Keith Durnford
March 7, 1951 to September 26, 2018
Obituary
Just as Keith lived, so he passed – quietly and peacefully.
Lovingly remembered by wife Debby, beloved daughter Jennifer Langmead (Blair – Callie and Josh), brothers – Joe (Mary), John (Sally) and cherished niece Pauline Pitcher whom was a source of wisdom and strength throughout Keith’s illness, nephew Robbie White who had a special place in Keith’s heart and sister in law, Audrey Durnford. Keith was well loved and respected by all members of the Durnford, White and Simpson families. Keith also leaves many friends and former coworkers at CBC.
Pop dearly missed ‘his boys’ Oreo and Sam and is now happily reunited with them.
Predeceased by – parents Ambrose and Annie Durnford, brothers Alvin and George Ross Durnford, in-laws, Floss & Joe White, and Mom & Dad Simpson.
Respecting Keith’s wishes, as we have done throughout his journey, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service.
In keeping with Keith’s kind and generous spirit, donations in his memory can be made to the Salvation Army Centre of Hope via:
The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters
430 Topsail Road
Suite 69/Box 91
St. John’s, NL A1E 4N1
Debby, Jennifer and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. May happy memories help you through this very difficult time.
My condolences to debbie and jennifer. I remember Mr. always having time for a chat, never passing a bad word on anything and always finding the positive in everything. He will be missed. For Jennifer: Losing a parent is traumatic at the best of times, stay close to family and friends they will help you through. Someone once told me, losing a parent is like wearing a back pack for the rest of your life. You will carry it where ever you go, and it may open at any time. Whether that be at the grocery store, walking in a park, or driving in a car, it doesn’t matter where you are or what your doing. When it opens you will be filled with emotions and the back pack will close. It will be stronger at first/ more intense and frequent, but as time passes it will be less intense and more tolerable. It will never go away… your dad will always be with you. God Bless and comfort you all in this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jennifer and Debby with the passing of such a remarkable, kind and gentle soul like Keith.
I remember moving into my apartment. I had an issue with putting some furniture together and low and behold Jennifer and her dad came to my rescue along with a few laughs to boot.
He was just one of the BEST! RIP Keith
When I read Tony Normans tribute to Keith, it reminded me of another weather story I would like to share with you. Keith had a good sense of humor that was evident in what I am going to tell you… One day, while returning from the transmitter site on Kenmount Hill, we passed the dairy farm on Blackmarsh Road. Keith made the comment “I guess rain is on the way”… to which I replied “why do you say that”? He said the cows were all lying down getting rested, knowing that they would be standing soon when the rain came. He was usually right.. it’s the simple things that sometimes work the best…. Anyway… another day we were passing a field and I said “look, the cows are lying down… must be rain on the way”.. to which he said yes. “But”, I said jokingly, “only half of them are lying… what does that mean”… and without missing a beat he said.. “fifty percent chance of rain”…. we’ll miss you Keith.
So sorry to hear of Keith’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. RIP Keith. Sally & John.
To Debby and Jennifer,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May God comfort you at this sad time.
Debby and Jennifer I am truly so sorry for your lose, keith was truly a great man, he always had a smile,he was a true gentleman, and always a good word to say. He loved his life, but what he truly loved was the both of ye, his life was cantered around his girls, both Debby and Jennifer.he always spoke with so much love and grace, honour and love.
He was such a beautiful person, and unfortunately taken way to young, my heart hurts with his passing, I know it is such a difficult time for you both, but the beautiful memories that ye created, will get you through this sorrowful time , but these memories will last forever and will continue to get you through. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always
Debby, remember Keith from Port aux Basques and St. John’s. Because of Keith, I studied Electronics at the old Fisheries College. We both ended up working with the CBC. Thanks, Keith.
Debby & Jennifer
Sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Many enjoyable years working together with Keith.
Debby
Sorry to hear of Keith’s passing, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Debby & Jennifer,
Sincere condolences to both of you……Keith was an exceptional person.
For me….and many more….we have lost a great FRIEND!
Keith was always so kind and personable…..he was so proud of Jennifer but always asked how you and your children and your extended family were…..he remembered names and truly cared….he did not just ask for the sake of asking.
I remember many mornings that we both walked from Cumberland Crescent to Pippy Place in the mid 80’s. It’s funny when I recall the train going through the Waterford Valley and Keith commenting on the wind direction that morning and what weather to expect that evening….he was always RIGHT. I often wonder what he resorted to when the trains stopped running in the late 80’s…..I’m sure he relied on some other stills he had acquired while growing up on the South Coast.
I contacted someone yesterday to let them know of Keith’s passing. They had numerous business dealings with Keith over the years…..his comment was that Keith was a true gentleman…..if you ever had a problem with Keith, it was not Keith’s problem….it was you. That’s so true.
As they say…..time heals, but we never forget. Reminisce of the good times and I know there were many.
Debby and Jennifer
Sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
My dear friend Debby, so very sorry for the loss of your best friend and loving husband Keith . Jennifer , sincerest condolences on your Dad’s passing. Saying goodbye to someone you love is heartbreaking. May the beautiful memories you all share comfort you both at this time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories forever to hold in your heart. God Bless .
Joe , Mary and Pauline
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in the many memories of him you hold in your heart . God Bless.
Debby and Jennifer
So sorry for your loss. Keith was a good colleague and a wonderful supervisor. I will always remember his kind and gentle manner in all that he did.
In the 35 years I worked with him I never once saw him angry or be anything other than a true gentleman.
Debby and Jennifer. So Sorry for your loss. Life will be different now of course but you have precious memories and you know you did all you could to make Keith’s life as comfortable as he could be. While the loss is severe, I hope your faith will help you in the journey ahead.
Debbie & Jennifer,
Sincere condolences on the death of your husband and father. Keith is at home.
Debbie and Jennifer
Our sincere sympathy. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs.
Debby & Jennifer;
Deepest sympathy on Keith’s passing. May your memories give you comfort at this time.
Debby I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you and your daughter have an abundance of wonderful memories to always hold in your heart.
Deepest condolences,
Jackie Traverse
Debby & Jennifer,
Our deepest condolences in such a wonderful kind hearted man, he adored you both so much, it certainly has not been easy and you both will miss him dearly. Many memories of Florida came back when I saw that picture of him, he certainly enjoyed it there, we had some laughs on St. Pete’s Beach May 198 , may all the memories you both share of him. bring a smile to your face. We will be thinking of you both, hugs and strength in the difficult days ahead.
Debby and family
So sorry to hear about Keith’s passing. Be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. He was a very special person, soft-spoken and kind always. Enos has many good memories of working with him for so many years. May your wonderful memories comfort you,
Debby & Jennifer,
I am so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing.
He was a wonderful person. Always gentle and caring.
May your memories comfort you now.
God bless,
Sharon Skinner
Debby and Jennifer
My deepest condolences to and all your family. I was fortunate to work with him. He was a good man.
Debby and Family’
So sorry to hear of your loss.Judy and Family.
Debby & Jennifer,
So sorry to hear of Keith’s passing.
He was a joy to work with, and an inspiration to those that knew him. I will never forget the fun times we had together.
Chris
Debby and Jennifer, Keith was a very special man that made all those around him better people. His kindness and genuine concern for others was something I admired in Keith. Always the perfect gentleman, I have never heard a negative word spoken about him. I have missed him since the day he stopped coming to work.
He will always be remembered !!
Larry
Debby & Jennifer
So sorry to hear of Keith’s Passing.
Thinking of your Family at this Sad Time.
Our Sincere Condolences.
Deepest condolences Jen to you and your family.
Jen and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a kind, hard-working individual who dearly loved his family. He was an inspiration to those around him to be a better person. My sincere condolences.
R.I.P Uncle Keith. Heaven just received another angel.
Jen and Family,
My condolences on your Dad’s passing. He was such a joy to work with over the years. He was a special person and will be missed.
Denise
Jen
So sorry for your loss. Sending love to you and your family during this difficult time!
Bethany
Jen
So sorry to hear this news. Your Dad was a great guy. My condolences to you and your Mom and Family.
David
There’s no doubt that Mr. Durnford must have been a special man to help raise a special daughter like Jen. Wishing you all strength and comfort at this difficult time.
So sorry Jen!!!!