R. Keith Wyer

It is with great sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of R. Keith Wyer, 89, on April 27, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at Queens General Hospital, Liverpool.

Born in Shubenacadie, N.S. , Keith grew up in a hardworking and close-knit family as one of six children of the late Robert and Muriel ( McKenna) Wyer.

Dad began working summers on a farm six days a week at the age of 11, giving $2 to the family and using the remaining $3 for clothes and school books thereafter. Operated the movie theatre 5 nights a week at age 15.

He showed a moral sense of right and wrong being expelled from high school for refusing to follow instructions when he felt the bus students were being treated unfairly, carrying this throughout his life advocating and fighting for injustices.

That independence and feistiness showed itself when he waited until he was 21 to marry our mother Shirley so he didn’t need his parents to sign for him.

Dad began his entrepreneurial career with two partners purchasing a shoe store and then parlaying that into purchasing a jewelry store, ladies wear and men’s wear store.

They also started South Shore Auctioneers after Dad had auctioneered for 2 charity auctions , Crew Sales Ltd a successful company liquidating companies throughout Atlantic Canada and splintering off a renown antiques store and operating it for several years. Dad eventually moved away from retailing into telecommunications, eventually part owner and President of Able Cable and Seabreeze Cable before retiring.

Dad was a man deeply committed to his community, never shying away leadership or the responsibilities that came with it. His lifelong dedication to local athletics was evident through thirty years as a softball pitcher, followed by roles as a coach, manager and registered umpire. He also shared his guidance as a hockey coach and a Scout Leader for Sandy Cove.

His service extended into every corner of public life. He held various leadership positions within the Trinity Anglican Church and was a prominent figure in the Kinsmen Club, serving as President, District Treasurer, and Deputy Governor for Zone 7. An avid participant in local recreation, he also served as President of the Curling Club.

One of his proudest legacies was his work with the VON, where he served as President for both the Queen’s County and Nova Scotia branches, as well as a member of the VON Canada Board of Directors. Furthermore, he dedicated 28 years to the Board of the Queen’s County General Hospital Foundation. Leveraging his unique skill as an auctioneer, he conducted over sixty charity auctions across Nova Scotia, raising vital funds for hospitals, Ducks Unlimited, the Annapolis Royal Gardens, and numerous other worthy causes.

He channeled his passion for politics by running as a Liberal Party candidate in Queens County, Nova Scotia, in 1974 and 1978. Dad carried the utmost respect for anyone of any party that ran for public office.

Dad had a deep appreciation and love for family. That family encompasses immediate and extended members, siblings and their families, friends and neighbors. His dining room table sat 20, but he wasn’t happy until we squeezed in 21. Singularly focused on staying connected and getting together “ it was not if you were coming for Xmas or his brother’s boxing day brunch, it was when!” Quick witted and loved to laugh, it was a relief for his children when he switched to teasing and tricking grandchildren and great grandchildren!

When he entered a room, if he didn’t know you, he would before he left , he would remember you and likely you him.

Dad was a goat, stubborn and independent but also greatest of all time, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend , mentor , we will love him forever and carry him in our hearts for eternity.

Keith is survived by his loving wife Lillian (Oickle), his family Ron (Annette), Wendy (Piers Hazeldine), Sean Burke (Cheryl), Annette Burke (Al Steele), David Oickle, Natalie McMaster and Clayton Smith. Grandchildren, Ryan (Saraheve), Robyn (Ashley), Heidi (Alan), Tia (Nigel), Dana (Nic), Mitchell, Kelcie (Derek), Callum (Stefanie), Garreth, Brynn, Keegan and Norah. Great Grandchildren, Cassidy, Adalyn, Beatrice, Asher, Chesney, Aria, Charleigh, Peyton, Sage and Kerrigan. His sister Millie (Les) Hurst and Brother Reg (Lola).

Predeceased by wives Shirley and Vivian ; sisters Marion and Reena ; brother Bob (Walter); brother-in-laws Ray and Bub ; nephews Derek and Adam and step daughter Karen.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home Liverpool, NS. Funeral service will be held Tuesday May 5, 11 a.m. at the Greenfield United Baptist Church, 5048 highway 210, with reception to follow. Family interment at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Keith’s memory to the Greenfield and District Fire Department, the Queens General Hospital or charity of choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the exceptional care our father received from the staff at Queens General Hospital.