Obituary of Keith Barkey

Barkey, Keith David at Markham Stouffville Hospital on June 5th, 2016 He was 60 years old Keith was born on July 7th, 1955 to Mary (Nighswander) and Wilbur Barkey. Keith was son number 4 and grew up on the home farm in Pickering on Lot 35, Concession 3. The early years were spent with his older brothers Don and Glenn, younger brother Lynn and cousins who lived nearby. The dairy farm was an active place, a great place to grow up which instilled a solid work ethic in Keith. Later, Keith went to work in the aggregate industry and spent more than 40 years operating heavy equipment. He made many friends and connections throughout his years working at Lee Sand and Gravel and more recently at Chefero Sand and Gravel. Many people knew him simply as "Albert". For the past many years, Keith helped Glenn look after their mom, who continues to battle with Alzheimer's Keith fought his battle with cancer courageously. He was taken swiftly but died peacefully with family and a close friend by his side. Keith was predeceased by his (infant) brother Murray and his father Wilbur. He is survived by his mother Mary, brother Don and sister in law Diane (Kitchen), his brother Glenn, his brother Lynn and sister in law Laura (Reesor), nieces and nephews Melissa and Dave (Muir), Valerie and Paul (Marshall), Ryan and Kyra (Anderson), Christine and Jon (Willie) and Jordan. Keith was also a great uncle to Avery and Evan (Muir), Elliot and Rose (Marshall) and Carl and Nora (Barkey) Thanks to the awesome nurses at Markham Stouffville hospital and to Drs. Solow and Patterson. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the palliative care unit would be welcome Visitation will be held at Dixon Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St N (Markham Road), Markham, 905-294-2030 on Thursday June 9th from 7 to 9pm. A funeral service will take place on Friday June 10th at 2:00pm at Rouge Valley Mennonite Church, 7452 Reesor Road, Markham, 905-294-6242. Cremation.