VANCOUGHNETT,
James Keith
September 24, 1941 ~ November 19, 2016
Peacefully and in the company of his family, James “Keith” Vancoughnett of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2016.
Chartered Accountant, CFO, carpenter, pilot, sculptor, and wine enthusiast, Keith was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba on September 24, 1941. He was a loving son to Kay and Melvin Vancoughnett and a kind, patient brother to his seven siblings.
For 38 years, Keith has been a devoted husband and constant companion to the love of his life, Marlene. He was the proud father of children, Mark (Sandra), Lisa (Ian), Ed (Diane), and Donna (Dan) and a sweet, gentle grandfather to Carly, Daryl, Sara, Maddie, Taylor, Aidan, Kiley, Ryan, and Teagan.
Throughout a more than 40-year multi-faceted career in finance, Keith earned the respect and admiration of his many colleagues. Whether at work, at home in the different communities where Marlene and Keith resided, or in retirement in Lake Chapala, Mexico, Keith touched the lives of his friends, neighbors, and family with his intelligence, sharp wit, and warm heart.
In 2004, Keith was diagnosed with Alzheimer Lewy Body Dementia. In love with their life in Lake Chapala, Keith and Marlene continued to live in Mexico until 2010 when they returned to Canada to be closer to family. Keith faced the struggle of Alzheimer’s disease with admirable grace and an incontrovertible sense of humour. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. And while his passing is a devastating loss to bear, our family finds comfort in the knowledge that his struggle is over.
Keith, not one for fanfare, requested that there be no memorial service. Instead, at a later date and accompanied by family, he’ll return to Lake Chapala, Mexico, the community he so loved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC or the Nanaimo SPCA or in Mexico to an Animal Shelter of your choice.
“Once the dust of Mexico settles on your heart, you can never go home again.”