Obituary of Keith Thomas Wilson

Wilson, Keith “Willy” Thomas

It is with heavy hearts the family announces the sudden passing of Keith “Willy” Thomas Wilson of Durham Bridge, NB, husband of Anita (Turner) Wilson, which occurred on October 20th, 2024 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Born on June 8, 1949 in St. Thomas, ON, Keith was the son of the late Dorothy Louise (Cromwell) and Earl Thomas Wilson. He proudly served in the Canadian military for 13 years, with time spent in Petawawa, ON; Lahr, Germany; Kingston, ON; Ottawa, ON; and CFB Gagetown, NB. He also served as a UN peacekeeper in Egypt and Cyprus. In 1985, he established Guidecraft Signs. Keith evolved the business into Guidecraft Print & Media, which now features the community-based publication, Freddy This Week. Freddy continues to bring smiles, recipes, and feel-good stories to Fredericton readers.

Keith was musically inclined and enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including amateur radio, electronics, roasting imported coffee beans, making artisan jewellery and soap. Coffee was his favourite drink and it often accompanied his baked creations. At heart, Keith was a tinkerer, an inventor, and some would say a re-inventor (or backyard engineer).

Not one to ‘toot his own horn’, Keith was a great listener, who was generous with his time and always willing to share the wisdom gained from his own journey. Keith demonstrated quiet strength, and through his perseverance, overcame many life challenges. His integrity and focus on relationships will carry on in his family.

Keith is survived by his wife, of 51 years, Anita; daughter, Christina Reinke (Rod) of Winnipeg; son, Jonathan Wilson (Cara) of Fredericton; grandchildren, Lauren Reinke, Julia Reinke, Victoria Wilson, Jessica Wilson (Cade), Emma Wilson, and Kaleb Wilson (Kennedy); and sister, Ann Balch (Stan), brother-in-law Brian Turner (Karen), Tim Turner, and sister-in-law Catherine McDonald-McKinney (Donald), several nieces and nephews, and his feline ‘fur baby’ Sasha Lee. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Earl; brother, Scott; and in-laws, Larry and Hazel McDonald.

Interment will take place in Taymouth Community Cemetery, Taymouth at a later time. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (diabetes.ca) or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.ca). Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com