WORRALL- Donald “Keith”

March 14, 1941 – November 26, 2024

Donald “Keith” Worrall passed peacefully into heaven, surrounded by family, on November 26, 2024, forever reunited with his beloved wife, Marilyn, and his cherished daughter, Laura Campbell. The joyous reunion was undoubtedly celebrated together with a big piece of cake and a toast in honour of Laura’s heavenly 57^th birthday on November 27, 2024.

Keith is survived by his devoted family: daughter Christine Goard (Jason), son Stephen Worrall (Baihua), and son-in-law Duncan Campbell (Laura). His resilience and strength will live on in his much-loved grandchildren: Jorden, Adam, Taylor, Emilie, and Ryan.

Keith was born to the late Thomas and Goldie Worrall and was raised on the family farm in Dunnville, Ontario, along with his brother Jim and sisters Donna (Hack) and Shirley (Odelli).

He spent his early years helping his family on the dairy farm, where his parents instilled the values of a disciplined and industrious work ethic – values he carried with him throughout his life.

Despite all his responsibilities, Keith found time to pursue his first passion: hockey.

He would often take the long walk, hockey bag over his shoulder, from the family farm to practices and games. If he was lucky enough, he would catch a lift from the local milkman on his way into town. His efforts paid off when he helped his team win the PeeWee Championship in the Minor Hockey League. He always felt proud that his parents could take a break from the farm to watch a game or two.

Keith later played Junior A for the St. Catharines Teepees and Senior A for the Galt Terriers and Guelph Regals into his mid- twenties. During this time, Keith attended the University of Guelph, where he earned his University Diploma from the Ontario Agricultural College on May 20, 1964.

After graduating, he took a summer job at Thompson Products, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Marilyn. He would often sneak away to visit Marilyn on his lunch hour and that’s where they quickly struck up an unbreakable bond. Keith and Marilyn dated for 2 years and married in 1966. Together, they started Parkway Farms and raised their three children in the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, while Keith continued to work in sales at Robin Hood Feeds.

Later in life, Keith’s greatest passion was spending time with his extended family, especially his grandchildren, and when time allowed, he enjoyed travelling with Marilyn and family. He always looked forward to a round of golf with friends and family, his yearly fishing trips with the boys, and a game of cribbage around the kitchen table.

He will be remembered for his smile that would light up a room and his effervescent spirit that made everyone feel so special and full of joy. He had a welcoming wave and a hearty laugh; anyone was always welcome to join him for a lively conversation on his front porch.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to his neighbours and loving friends who were always there to lend a helping hand. A special thank you to Dr. Salib and the caregivers who made his final days so comfortable: Dr. Manser, nurses Colleen O’Gorman and Helen Ferley, and his personal care workers, with special thanks to Suneela.

The family will receive friends at MORGAN FUNERAL HOME,  415 Regent St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. A service to celebrate the life of Keith will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church,  41 Byron St., Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11 a.m.  Burial to take place privately in the springtime in the church cemetery.  In his memory, donations can be made to The Walker Family Cancer Centre, St. Catharines General Hospital, or a blood donation can be made to the Canadian Blood Services.  Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com