We Remember
KROES, Keith Wallace
August 26, 1964 — January 6, 2026
Keith Wallace Kroes passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC, on January 6, 2026, at 8:10 PM. A man of immense strength and a persistent optimist, Keith completed his journey surrounded by love, choosing a path of peace and dignity to conclude his brave battle.
A true force of nature, Keith was known for his ability to do the work of three men. He was a self-taught, hardworking, lifelong learner with an inventive, true “MacGyver” mindset. From his early years working on the farm to his 41-year career at the port—where he rose from longshoreman to foreman—Keith earned deep respect through his leadership and exceptional skills as a mechanic and carpenter. His brilliant mind never slowed down; even in his final weeks, he was still meticulously sharing his expertise and designing projects to help his family.
Despite his great strength, Keith was not a confrontational person. He chose modesty and grace, always seeing the best in people and making everyone feel special. He was a remarkably good son and grandson, always honoring his family with deep respect. He was wonderful with children and a loyal friend to all, choosing his companions by their hearts rather than appearances.
Beyond his professional life, Keith’s heart belonged to the outdoors—fishing, hunting, and working with horses. Whether building a cabin or working the hay fields, he was never happier than when he was in the country. For Keith, the wilderness was his sanctuary; it was in the mountains, under the open sky, that he truly felt close to God.
He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and light. He is survived by his devoted wife, Paula, and his beloved son, Phillip, who was his greatest source of pride. He is also remembered by his parents, Wallace and Elaine; his seven siblings: Tracey, Darci, Tanya, Justin, Marcelle, Tyler, and Ryon; and a vast extended family of uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all the relatives and friends who provided comfort and support during Keith’s journey.
In accordance with Keith’s wishes, he will be returned to the mountains he loved so dearly. The family will hold a private ceremony to honor him when the spring sun touches the high peaks.
As we remember him, we hold onto the image of a strong, handsome, and optimistic man, now finally at rest.
“May he find the highest mountains and the greenest fields in his rest.”
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I adored Keith as my brother but also close friend.. I miss him every day, and very much look forward to seeing him again. ❤️
We will miss our Son , Keith was not just our Son but also a friend that we spent many hours with , we have many memories of our time together that we hold dearly. His wife Paula and our grandson Phillip are precious to us and will always remind us of our loving Son.
I adored Keith as my brother, and close friend. I miss him every day, and very much look forward to seeing him again.❤️ He was a truly wonderful person.
I think of Keith and I do think of a very kind giving man who was loved by family,.children and was a great lover of nature. I think of him sneaking off fishing when we were young and the fun we had as siblings. I think of my little grandson Stellan going right to him at the hospital. I appreciated his advice to Eric and me on how to keep our dinner warm and how .we.could use a big cooler. It is so hard to believe you are gone, but the memories will live on forever. Love you to the moon and beyond your big sister. Tracey❤️
This is the most beautiful eulogy describing Keith. I have never known a finer more loving man. A rare gem and reflection of his mom and dad. I love him dearly and send my love to all of his loved ones. Forever in my heart until we see his smile again.
Hugs Joy
This is the most beautiful eulogy describing Keith. I’ve never known a finer ma a true gem to all who know him A true reflection of his mom and dad. I love him dearly. Always in my memory with smiles until we see him again. Sending love to all of his loved ones. Joy
I loved my brother very much. He was thoughtful, kind, and was happy doing things for others. One special memory was when he brought one of his horses to Lake Country and gave the kids a ride. It meant so much to them, but that’s just who he was-he loved bringing joy to others. I miss him deeply and will always be grateful for the so many memories we had together. I will see you in the morning, Keith ♥️
I don’t remember my brother much from our childhood, but what I do remember, is the look in his eyes, when he watched his son. He would rub his back, or his hair and call him ‘Buddy’. I remember how much joy he had as a father teaching his son everything he had to give. I remember him as a loving husband, who cared for his wife as he cared for himself. Together, as a unit, they would sincerely invite you into their home, and ask you to stay as long as you could. They would make you feel at home, preparing all kinds of food from their freezer, that would have been stocked by my brother, from the mountains and rivers. My brother was alone for many years, and had many tales to tell, when it came to hunting, or guiding, or some other experience, and he had loyal friends all along the way that were part of those adventures. He was always appreciated in the community for being helpful too. I think when he met his wife, and had his son, and built a home together, and worked the land that their little family had, it was a very fulfilling experience for him, and he felt complete. He was a good son to my parents, always checking in with them, sharing similar interests with my dad, whether it was tools or horses. Fishing with both of my parents and enjoying the great outdoors with them. Building a log cabin with my mom, among his many family projects. When it came to my siblings, I know he was closer to the older ones, and the boys, and he always was helpful, whether it was advice or helping someone out. I remember him being more of a listener, when it came to our loud bunch. This made him seem respectful, and no doubt a good teacher to others. The nephews and neices always had a gleam in their eye when he came around also. We didn’t share the same faith, but someone described the mountains as his religion, which sounds about right. Because of my faith in the Creators’ words found in the Bible, I have complete confidence I’ll see my brother again in the near future. He’ll have perfect physical health here on the earth. He’ll be building a new log home nestled in the mountains by a river, shoulder to shoulder with his loved ones. Everything will be as it should be. Just a little while longer.
I remember Keith saying all seemed right when he was with Philip. I love this picture of them.
My brother and his beautiful family