KEDDY

The family of John Archie Keddy of Martins River is deeply saddened to announce his passing at 76 years on November 7, 2025, in the ICU at Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. Fifty-six days following a CT scan that revealed lymphoma; 23 days after hematology confirmed the extremely aggressive and rare type that was ravaging his body, John fell victim to this dreadful form of cancer. 

John is survived by his loving wife Roxanne of 51 years; his sisters Judy Bonnell (Wray Strong), Linda Keddy, both of Martins River; Susan Brown (Garth and sons Matt and Christian) of Halifax; brother Dan (Dorothy Lohnes) of Bridgewater, and niece Stephanie Bonnell (Mark) of Shelburne. He shall be missed by countless friends, and in particular, lifelong buddy Dan Boehner, Ottawa.

John devoted 28 years of his life to serve with the RCMP. Of significant note was John's Drugs Team's seizure of 42 kilos of heroin in 1997 at Toronto International Airport, the largest ever then in Canada. John became an Advanced Driving Instructor for the Force, and upon retirement, continued his love of driving as a charter bus driver with First Student for 12 years. John joined the RCMP Veterans Association and performed duties on various committees and served as President for two separate terms with the Golden Horseshoe Division.

John learned to hunt with his father, Archie. In addition to deer, and wild fowl, they enjoyed rabbit hunting. He recounted returning home on a wintry day to enjoy his Mother's (Della) homemade beans and bread. His parents instilled the values of integrity, honesty, fairness, trustworthiness, empathy, and love; qualities and principles which he emanated throughout his life. Indeed, a friend used to say that if you searched for the meaning of either the word private (secretive) or honest, you would find a picture of John as the definition. Smiling came easily to his handsome face except in the vicinity of a camera. He hated having his picture taken.

Before joining the RCMP, John attended St. Mary's U, worked construction on a Halifax skyscraper, and sold insurance for Prudential Life. When Martins River Fire Dept. was established, John became one of the early volunteers; a cause he continued to deeply promote. 

John was an Ordinary Member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 47 years and had transferred to the Mahone Bay Branch. 

John's favourite beverage was Molson ale until a Celiac diagnosis halted that practice and led him to discover Merlot.

John owned a road baby, a 1967 Plymouth GTX 440 which was fully restored. He seldom missed Moparfest and was a member of the Old Chrysler Corp Auto Club. After relocating from ON, John joined the Coastal Cruisers. His favourite water baby was a 30' Sea Ray flybridge. Long weekends and summer holidays were spent aboard Meri-Timer II, travelling Lake Erie. Boating here allowed him to fish for yellow perch for which he developed an endless appetite. The rougher the waters; the higher the waves; the more John liked it. He proved to be an extremely capable captain at the wheel. For more than 45 years, John bestowed his love upon his Golden Retriever fur babies: Molson, Brooke, Heather and Bridgette. Only Grandma and Grandpa Ross were ever entrusted to temporarily care for any of these priceless companions.

John was always the first to hold out his hand to introduce himself to new neighbours and to offer help. He was outgoing, friendly, and a source of security to the neighbourhood. He followed Archie's rule of measuring three times and cutting once whenever endeavouring carpentry. John loved classic movies like The Godfather, and those with thrilling car scenes such as Bullitt, and any Western. British comedies could cause him to burst into such hearty laughter, he would end-up rolling on the floor at the humour. His preference in reading included auto/biographies (Iacocca), and political journalism. He favoured Oscar's piano, Satchmo's raspy voice and trumpet jazz, and soft rock. He found relaxation in the quiet streams where he would fish for speckled trout. He was actively involved in the Canadian political scene and was an avid supporter of more military spending. In Roxanne and John's early years together, their shift work allowed quick and brief car trips east to his NS home. John longed for a return to Martins River where he had enjoyed life until 22. This dream became a reality in 2022.

John was one of the very best of the best, and we thank him for being the exceptional man he was: the type of gentleman one could only ever hope to meet, let alone call a colleague, neighbour, friend, family member, or spouse. Fortunate are we who are able to do so. Unforgettable you John, unforgettable you.

In keeping with John’s wishes there will be no public memorial service. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.

Donations to the Martins River Fire Department would be appreciated by the family.