Keith L. Sumner

Keith L. Sumner

After an exuberant series of 95th Birthday celebrations, the sun has crossed the sundial for the last time, as we announce with great sorrow Keith’s passing, Thursday August 21st. Keith’s bold, brave and progressive decision to depart with MAID tells of his unique and independent thinking towards life on his own terms.

Following a blissful 69 year marriage to his late soul-mate Nancy, Keith kept his positive spirit alive with his dry wit, prolific oil painting, and musical efforts on harmonica and the spoons! While banking, business and philanthropic consulting efforts were a significant part of adult life, it was family that inspired his heart.

Loving great grandchildren, Ava, Finn, and John, were often the focus of animated conversations, with engaging questions confirming Gramp’s interest in their daily lives. Grandchildren Shannon (Chris), Stefanie (Adam), Victoria, Brittni and Brandon (Candace) were treated to a younger version of the man, who arranged tennis lessons, skating, croquet, tobogganing, gardening, cooking, bartending, and of course boating! Keith’s and Nancy’s family legacy began with daughter Pam (John) and son Richard (Lorri), who bore witness to the growth of the man as he transitioned from a 24 year career of cross-Canada banking roles with CIBC, and Canada Trust, to the world of philanthropy consultation. Keith’s late sister Diane and brother-in-law Bruce were well loved and sorely missed these last few decades. Most recently, Keith enjoyed a very special and loving relationship with Barbara Bourne-Bamford and her family. Thank you.

Keith’s inquisitive nature ensured enthusiastic cocktail hours and dinner conversations. Always wanting to explore, to know more, to get inside the minds of others in a loving and considerate manner, Keith knew how to listen.

Keith was born in Toronto July 12, 1930 to parents Viola and Stafford Sumner who emigrated from England in 1929. Keith wrote in 2009 that “(he) did not recall that particular birthday but as the years progressed, (he) reflected on the timing of his arrival on this earth leading to the start of the Great Depression!”

In his youth, Keith attended Runnymede Collegiate in Toronto. He then successfully graduated Victoria University (U of T) in 1952, earning the W.E. Rundle Gold Medal in Commerce and Finance.

Nancy and Keith started their family in Toronto, living in Calgary and Regina, before settling in London, Ontario. London was home for 49 years, including a decade at their hobby farm: ‘Windy Hill’ and later in the community of Hazel Lanes, prior to moving to Orillia to be closer to family.

While in London, Keith was attracted to the world of philanthropy, becoming the Director of the Richard and Jean Ivey Fund, a prominent charitable foundation. Special thanks to Penny Harman. Keith’s success and friendship with the late Lorraine Shuttleworth earned him the distinction of his name being honored and displayed outside the Keith L. Sumner Auditorium in 2011 by the London Health Sciences Foundation, Victoria Hospital, Westminster Campus.

Truly, Keith was a man for all seasons. Keith and Nancy’s large extended family loved their summers in Muskoka on Meeko Island. A strong work ethic of constant cottage repairs was always rewarded with adult cocktails on the wrap around deck hosted by Keith’s in-laws, the late Harold ‘Gus’ Woolley and his bride Dorothy. Later, special times were enjoyed at Keith & Nancy’s cottage on the north shore of Nova Scotia. The original piggery was transformed into ‘Aighear’, Gaelic for Love and Happiness, and the cottage certainly lived up to its name!

Many memorable and hilarious occasions were enjoyed with family out east. The fleet, included a canoe, a custom small sailboat, and the ‘divorce machine’, a double skiff that challenged all with constant shifting winds! Local fare of mussels, scallops or cooking lobster by the croquet pitch complete with martinis provided outstanding maritime nourishment. Keith and Nancy were consummate hosts who knew the fine art of entertaining. Great local friendships were developed with the McClinton’s and Brown’s and many others, golfing, fun bridge contests, beach walks, and gourmet dinners. Ah.... memories.

Keith’s family extends special thanks to the attentive and caring staff at Leacock Retirement Lodge, and Champlain Manor in Orillia. The staff at both locations will not be forgotten. Special thanks to Karen Self. This tribute would not be complete without our impassioned gratitude for the nurses and doctors at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Orillia. For the support and respectful efforts of Doctors Smith, Bauman, Italiano and DePiero, we extend our eternal gratitude.

We all recognize the challenges of staffing and economics in Ontario’s medical communities. Let there be no question, that the many nurses, and PSW Grace, who attended Keith, were all lovely and considerate in their care, allowing the family some peace of mind during the last year, and in particular the last month.

Rather than floral tributes, please consider a donation in Keith and Nancy’s memory to parkinson.ca or dyingwithdignity.ca.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held in September in Orillia. Please email johnwright@muskoka.com for details. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared at: www.mundellfuneralhome.com