Keith William Fulford

Keith William Fulford

1921 - 2023

Keith William Fulford passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, at the Swan Valley Lodge, with family by his side.  He had recently celebrated his 102nd birthday with members of his family.  Keith was born December 3, 1921, at Mather Manitoba to Alfred (Doc) and Christena (Tena) Fulford in a family of 9 children.

Keith moved with his family from Mather to Minitonas in 1934. Keith completed grade 11 in Minitonas, grade 12 in Oak River while living with his sister Freda and husband Hart, then attended Normal School prior to beginning his teaching career.  In November of 1942 Keith joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in Europe until the end of the war.  Upon returning to Minitonas, Keith returned to teaching until he and his brother Jim started farming together.  They farmed a grain and cattle-based operation until their retirement.  Their Herford cattle operation became widely known for its quality breeding stock. Many long-term acquaintances were developed from the cattle business.

Not long after his retirement, in 1993 Keith married long time family friend Alfreda Mohr (Kokot).  Four years later they moved to a condo in Swan River until both Alfreda and Keith were able to move into the Swan Valley Lodge.  Both were supporters of the local Valley Foundation and their churches.  Community was important.

 Throughout the years Keith had long associations with the Local Pool Elevators, Legion (both in Minitonas and Swan River) and the Church.  He was respected for his involvement and commitment to community groups.  His more personal time had him golfing, curling, fishing (part ownership in a lake cabin), investing, card games and meeting with friends.  In the years closer to retirement, Keith and Jim would 5th wheel to Arizona for warmer weather and more golf.   A game of bridge with brothers, nephews or friends was a common occurrence.  Some fishing mornings were a little slow getting started due to a late-night bridge game and the required “table talk” that followed.  When in conversation with the great nephews about his younger life, his answers were always thoughtful and informative.  Keith’s last fishing trip was in 2016 (age 96) and each year after the gathering he always wanted an update on how things went.

Keith was pre deceased by his wife Alfreda (Kokot, Mohr), his parents, Alfred and Christena Fulford, sisters Freda and husband Hartley Harland, Donalda (Alda) and her husband Lloyd Morrison, Jean and her husband Lorne Chapple, brothers Ivan and his wife Bernice, Hugh and his wife Ida, Dal and his wife Mae, James, brother in law Don Hanley, nephew Gordon and step son Melvin.

He leaves to mourn his sister Norma Hanley, stepsons Murray, Ken, Gary Mohr and their families as well as nieces and nephews Bruce, Fred, Freda, Ann, Donna, Norman, Elisabeth, Keith, Pat, Doug, Lois, Ken, Betty, Dawne, Marilyn, Don, Aden, Ray, Kay, Bill, Nelson, Brenda and Bob.

Keith was appreciative of those in his life, a true gentleman.