Keast, Stephen Richard
Stephen Richard Keast passed peacefully on April 17, 2026 at peopleCare Meaford in his 69th year.
The smartest, funniest, most-complicated soul has hit the road to join his parents, Bob and Eva, his wife Mary, and his beloved dog, Ben.
Stephen graduated the top of his class, and he always, always won at Trivial Pursuit – often rolling the dice before anyone else knew what was going on. Throughout his career, he wore many hats, including Town Clerk – a role that suited his professional savvy and his love and respect for the place he called home. Choosing gravel back roads over city streets, Stephen loved gathering at an apple shed on Friday afternoons with childhood friends and a cast of characters dear to his heart.
Despite having the quickest wit and the broadest shoulders – life was heavy for this beautiful man. Stephen will be missed by Jimmy, Susie, Jesse, and Hailey; Ted, Mireille, Valerie and Jeremy; and his cousin, Cindy – who Eva once told, “Stephen will never meet a nice girl if he keeps hanging around with you.” Please remember the good times and his laughter – because in the end, it’s all we’ve got. “And if you have the ability to love, love yourself first.” Charles Bukowski
Thank you to the staff at peopleCare Meaford for their patience and kindness.
Cremation has taken place. Private family arrangements at this time.
In lieu of flowers or sadness, please go for a bike ride, and maybe take your hands off the handlebars for a moment or two.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Brightshores – Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Stephen Richard Keast
Donations: Brightshores – Meaford Hospital FoundationDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Friday, April 17, 2026
Jimmy, Susie, Jesse, Hailey & family, we are so saddened by Stephen’s passing. We had alot of fun & laughter as colleagues, such great memories. He was a guy who would always lend you a hand and his knowledge about everything was amazing. He will be so missed in the community. RIP Stephen
Friday, April 17, 2026
Ted, Jim & families. Sad to hear about Stephen’s passing. Stephen was a lot of fun to work with with a lot of knowledge about Thornbury & Collingwood Township. He will be missed in the community.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Jim, Susie & Family
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Friday, April 17, 2026
I’ve been very fortunate to have shared wonderful times with Stephen. Whoever wrote this, nailed it! Memories of times together will always be in my heart. Sincere condolences Jim, Susie, the rest of the family and RIP Stephen. Thanks for many good times!
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Jim, Susie and family
So sorry to hear this news, thinking of you
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
My condolences. Steve was a wonderful person
Friday, April 17, 2026
To the Keast family, we send our sincere sympathy at this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Steve during my time on council and will remember the gentleman that he was. RIP Steve
Friday, April 17, 2026
Jim, Susie, and everyone who ever knew Steve. I can’t express how sad I was to hear this news. Your care and compassion for Steve have been inspirational. I certainly have a lot of fond memories going back to our childhood. Think I’ll go for a bike ride and take my hands off the handle for a bit. Thinking and praying for you all.
Peter
Friday, April 17, 2026
Our sincere condolences to the Keast family.We have many fun memories and good times with Stephen.R.I.P. Stephen
Tom and Stephanie Sheridan
Friday, April 17, 2026
Bev and I were very sorry to hear of Stephen’s passing. Steve was quite a character and a lot of fun to be around. Playing baseball with the Hooters and the after game bbqs were always well a real Hoot. Our sincere condolences to Jim, Susie, Ted and all of the family. RIP Steven.
Gary and Beverlee Dillon
Friday, April 17, 2026
Stephen was incredibly smart, funny, witty and always had the fastest comebacks.
Stephen was a good friend.
Stephen loved a good time.
We will always remember his generosity and willingness to help others.
Stephen would do anything for you.
Our sincere condolences to Jim, Susie, Ted and all of the family.
Rest in peace Stephen.
Love Gregory Hewgill
& Susan Meingast
Friday, April 17, 2026
Sending our deepest condolences to all of Stephen’s loved ones. The tribute is beautifully written and captures the essence of Stephen. We will remember the fun loving guy and the bright smile. His troubles and the heaviness of life are over for him now and may he have peace.
xo Sam & Randy
Friday, April 17, 2026
I will always remember your brother riding his bike to/from work when he worked for the town.
Im sure Bob & Eva were waiting to embrace him.
Sending heartfelt sympathies to tbe Keast clan
Friday, April 17, 2026
I was sad to learn of Stephen’s passing. My condolences to his family. Although it has been many years since I had seen him, I will always remember his sense of humour and the fun times I shared with him and his cousin Cindy back in the day. May he rest in peace.
Friday, April 17, 2026
So sad to hear of this 🙁 Steve added joy, laughter and many great memories to my life and I am thankful for that. Condolences to everyone who knew and loved him.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Jimmy, Susie and the Keast family – sending our sincere condolences as we read of Stephen’s passing. His wit and sense of humour were a constant; I received a couple of white elephant Christmas gifts from him during our time as colleagues that will never be forgotten! Rest in peace, Stephen.
Sincerely,
Keith & Barb Dooks
Friday, April 17, 2026
Jim and Susie
Sorry to hear of Stephen’s passing. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you
Jo-Ann and Kerry Murch and family
Friday, April 17, 2026
Dear Jim, Shorty, Jesse and Haley
Such a beautiful tribute to a brilliant man with a quick wit and a sharper tongue.
He was indeed a character and I remember being the passenger on the handlebars of that bicycle a time or two. So many fond memories. Rest easy Stephen
Dian McGowan and Brian Kennedy
Friday, April 17, 2026
Condolences to the Keast family. Having the absolute privilege of working with Stephen over the years he never failed to amaze me. His humour and his knowledge will always be my fondest memory while being grateful to him for showing the way of how to navigate the Council Chambers.
Friday, April 17, 2026
So sad for your brother Steve’s passing. We have such good memories and laughter with Steve. He was great to work with for the years I was there with him ,
Friday, April 17, 2026
We were so sad to hear of Stephen’s passing. Our thoughts to all of you. One Christmas day, Stephen came visiting with his coffee mug in his hand. We still have the mug and think of him often. Prayers and hugs.
Arlene and family
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jim,Susie and family
So sorry to hear of Stephen passing away, he was surly a great guy to know and was always a fun guy. RIP Steve
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jim and family
Sorry to hear of Stephen’s passing, the Beaver Valley has lost another great guy
Shelly and Dan and family
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you’re at this sad time.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jimmy and Susie,
Beautiful tribute for Steven, I was sad to read of his passing, as he was always a great person with his intelligence, wit, and humour. Your family will definitely miss him but will have many good memories. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sincere condolences Jim to you and all of the Keast family
We were sad to hear about Stephen.
Our thoughts are with you. The obituary is lovely.
~ Jim & Deb
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jimmy, Susie and the entire Keast family;
Yesterday we lost someone truly special. I had the privilege of working with Stephen and also calling him my friend, and both meant a lot to me.
Stephen wasn’t just part of the job he was part of the good days, the laughs, the conversations that made time pass quicker and life felt lighter. That kind of presence is rare.
Besides working together, more importantly, we shared a lot of life outside of work too. Some of my best memories are simple ones-like camping at Awenda with Stephen and Mary, 3 dogs, non stop rain and car battery failure. Stephen never let me forget my “Clown” pants after that trip. He was sharp, funny and the kind of person who made even a rainy camping trip into something worth remembering. Trips in his jeep to go swimming, honestly I could go on and on about fun times shared.
Losing Stephen brings back the loss of Mary too. The memories of the 3 of us, the laughter, the friendship – that’s what stays with you.
Rest easy, Stephen. You are deeply missed by all who knew you.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Remembering Stephen over a lot of years as an original member of the Thornbury community! Our sincere sympathy to Jim, Susie, Ted and their families.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jim, Susie and Family
We are so sad to hear of Stephen’s recent passing. Cherish the good times and hold them close to your hearts.
Our thoughts are with you during this trying time.
Wayne and Cecile Keenan
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Condolences to Steve’s family & friends !
Steve was more than just a good colleague at the Town to me !
His nature and individuality ….was a mixture of intelligence, wit, humour …with a friendly spirit !
Many good social times with mutual friends . One of the unique characters … at the shed !
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Stephen will be surely missed! After working for him and Mary for so many years we had alot of laughs and memories. I really miss my teen burger they would bring me for lunch almost every week haha. He was a great friend and neighbor to Terry and I We will miss your smiles and jokes !
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jim Susie and family so sorry to hear of the passing of Stephen he was always had a quick wit , our condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time
Saturday, April 18, 2026
To the Keast Family, please accept Vern’s and my sincerest condolences. It’s always so hard when someone so loved starts their next journey.
Elizabeth Marshall and Vern Shaw
Saturday, April 18, 2026
To the Keast family, please accept my condolences. Steve was a great guy, he and Doug had a terrific relationship at work. When I made Mincemeat Turnovers, Steve was sure to arrive to get some, hope he gets some now!
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Our condolences to Jim, Susie, Jesse, Hailey, Ted and family.
I remember fondly the spark that Stephen added to my grade 3/4 class at Thornbury Public School my first year of teaching. He was a fun-loving, very capable student who was never stuck for an answer.
Stephen will be missed, but has left everyone who knew him with special memories to cherish.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Earl and Shirley Hough send condolences to Jim, Ted and their families on their brother Steven’s passing.
As first cousins, we were scarcely acquainted with Steven, After reading the condolences, we realize what a gifted person we missed the opportunity to meet.
May Steven rest in peace
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Jim, Susie and the entire Keast family. I am so very sorry to read of your loss. My deepest condolences to you all. Steve was just one of the best guys I knew! He was funny, respectful, talented and extremely knowledgeable. Any time I hear Cindi Lauper I think of Steve from times many years ago, he was so much fun!
Often times Steve would call me at work and ask me to do something for him, I always had to chuckle when our phone conversation was ending and he would say “ciao.. luv ya!”
A very sad loss for us longtime town folk.
RIP Steve
Sunday, April 19, 2026
So sorry to hear about Steve. It is a terrible loss. My condolences are with you at this time. Steve was a great person. If you needed help, he was there to help out. He always had a smile on his face.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Jim, Ted, Cindy and families. I am deeply saddened by Steve’s passing. We grew up together as best friends and next-door neighbours in our homes by the Beaver River. We shared our years of imagination and innocence and remained friends into our adult years. Our time together spanned from playing Gumby and Pokey and Lost in Space to swimming lessons, skiing, learning to drive and beyond. Steve always had a nice bike. Steve became the wheelie king after he got his orange Raleigh Chopper with the T-handle shifter on the cross bar. So cool!
Condolences to all.
Mike and Anne Stewart
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Jim and Susie, Ted and Family
Oh what a character Steve was, always a joke.
I remember a few times when Jerry was on council, the guys would come to the house the odd time. Laughter and jokes were shared. He would pull up with the big pillow on the floor.
Steve we will always remember you.
Thinking of the family at this time.
Linda
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Deepest condolences to you all, have great memories of Steve, and his great sense of humour, and the occasional prank.
Linda Hutchinson
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Our condolences to the Keast family. We are sorry for your loss.
R.I.P Steve.
Glen and Donna
Sunday, April 19, 2026
I’ll never forget how kind and approachable Stephen was when I was first starting my career in municipal government, at The Blue Mountains. We affectionately called him “BGB”… Big Giant Brain! So much knowledge and so funny. My condolences to everyone that loved Stephen.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Going back many years..playing hockey with Meaford Chevies
and being from Thornbury.I knew Bob and Eva and the kids!
Remember so very well Stephen at the players door after a
“win” game…I gave him my goal stick!
Bill Campbell
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Jim and family .. so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Barry and I send our condolences too your family.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Jim and Susie .. so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing
Barry and I send our condolences to the family
Monday, April 20, 2026
Our condolences to Jim, Susie, Ted and families. We are sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Cherish the memories.
Harvie and Jill Reekie
Monday, April 20, 2026
Jim and Susie, Ted and the Keast family, such a beautiful tribute to Steve. His passing is so very sad, your numerous remembrances of the good times, precious and long lasting memories will bring eventual comfort. my sincerest condolences, Shirley
Monday, April 20, 2026
Jim , Susie and family .
Sorry for your loss .
Dana and Andrew
Monday, April 20, 2026
Fare thee well, old friend. I will always remember your wit and humor, epitomized by a letter I once saw you had written, I believe it was to Cindy when she lived in Clarksburg.
The address on the envelope was simply:
Cindy
East of Eden
West of Bruce Street
It still makes me smile to this day.
May you rest in peace and power!
Monday, April 20, 2026
Our sincere condolences to the Keast Family. Stephen will be deeply missed.
RIP my friend.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Our hearts go out to Jimmy, Suzie, Jessie and Hailey and the entire family during this very difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered for his good spirit, his love of fun and the commitment to the community thought his work for the town.
Monday, April 20, 2026
The Keast family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Monday, April 20, 2026
Condolences to the Keast family. Stephen was a co-worker at the old Town Hall by the river. Simpler times.
Monday, April 20, 2026
My condolences to Jim, Susie, Ted and family members.
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Steve for many years. Professionally, he was efficient, resourceful and in his various roles with the town, someone you could depend on, which is so important. His way of communicating with various town citizens that came to the office with inquiries or concerns was exceptional.
It was always great to see him working at Keast Men’s Clothing where again his knowledge and winning personality were front and center!
Perhaps more importantly, Steve was a kind and gentle spirit that genuinely loved to laugh and play. He was always there to lend a helping hand and his infectious humour was there for the taking. The tribute in his memory is right on.
May you rest in peace Steve and may we always remember you.
Ellen Anderson
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Jim, Susie and family, my sincere condolences. I’m heading on a bike ride. RIP Steve
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Steve Keast was one of a kind. Sharp as a whip, and funny as hell. Through high school and on to university, he was one of my best pals. His quick wit was razor sharp, and just thinking of him as I write this brings a huge smile to my face. He was also a very talented sketch artist. Sitting beside him in many classes, his doddles of people and things were always hilarious.
Allow me to digress…We learned in one geography class that a glacial mountain lake was called a “tarn”. Steve immediately started to sketch a very goofy looking bird with over-sized feet and a ridiculously long beek. In his creative mind, that term didn’t belong to a geological formation, it belonged to a hapless, ridiculous looking bird. He quickly sketched variations of this creature…an “artic tarn” with big boots, a scarf and a hat; a “roman tarn” in a toga with a ceramic urn full of wine. Hilarious and silly, and very, very creative.
Steve missed his calling. He should have been a staff writer at Saturday Night Live. But TV’s loss was Thornbury’s gain. He devoted his considerable talents to the town he loved, and it’s the better for his devoted efforts and considerable ability.
To Ted, Jim and family, my sincere condolences to you. Your brother was a great guy. He’ll be missed.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
So sorry for your loss of a great funny loveable guy. Lanktree family
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
I’m so sorry to read about Steve’s passing. I worked with Steve for many years at TBM when he was Clerk and then Admin Assistant. He was a wonderful blend of professionalism and humor at work. He taught me so much about the history of the area before amalgamation and municipal governance. We talked trivia and we chatted about so many theories on life. I loved that he wore socks and sandals together all year round – and to hell with the fashion police! lol He played little jokes on me often and then laughed and laughed, as did I. From the minute I met him, he was kind and generous and he always made me feel valued, especially when I was learning my role. Rest in peace Steve. It was so wonderful to have known you.
My heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Jim, Susie and all Steve’s family and loved ones
We were so sorry to hear this sad news – please accept our sincere sympathies and condolences
We will take his Jeep out for a drive on a beautiful day and enjoy a quiet moment in his honour.
Heather and Peter
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to Ted, Jim and their families on Steve’s passing. I remember him quite well from my home town days. May his spirit remain in your hearts through this difficult time.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
So sorry on your loss, Jim and Susie. I will always remember Steven as my grade school class mate and on into high school. He was always the bright one who knew the answers.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
I was so sorry to hear about Steven‘s passing. Always remember him as my fellow classmate through grade school and high school, the smartest kid in the room.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
I have many fond memories of the Keast boys & Lanktree girls growing up on the cusp of Moore Cres & Alice Street E. He was quite a guy, and always called my “Hometown” as he cycled by with that Keast grin!
Jim and Susie, you both have been an incredible care and support team for Steve over the years.
I hope you can find some peace and comfort in the days that follow.
Much Love
Jody Foster-Scott
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Steve was the best Town clerk I ever worked with…. because he hated long meetings. Rest in peace my friend.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Steve, you were a wonderful, genuine and witty friend and roomie. As will so many, I’ll always remember the great times we had together. I’m thankful to have known you. Rest easy friend.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Going to miss seeing you Jim so faithfully at the nursing home pushing your brother around and spending time visiting with him.
You were a good , faithful brother.
Wayne and Penny Fligg
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Jim, Susie and family … Although we never met Stephen, all the tributes sound like we missed a wonderful opportunity! So sorry to read of his passing. Gentle hugs …
MaryJane and Wayne
Thursday, April 23, 2026
My condolences to all family and friends.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Jim Susie Jesse Haley and all the Keast family. Thinking of you at this time of grief,cherish the memories. Murray and Ann Kerr.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Condolences to all the Keast family . Cherish all his accomplishments.
Tom & Lynn Carbert
Monday, May 4, 2026
Steve was definately a fixture in town. All the times I bumped into him he had a smile on his face.He will be fond,y remembered
Friday, May 8, 2026
Sending hugs to all the families.
Sorry to learn of Steve’s passing.
We had some fun times over the years.
Thinking of you.
Bruce & Kathy
Sunday, May 17, 2026
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Cherish the good memories. My deepest condolences to Jim and family.
Karen Stewart