The Hon. Keith Davey’s Obituary

THE HONOURABLE KEITH DAVEY, O.C.

Peacefully with family at his side, in Belmont House, on Monday, January 17, 2011. Douglas Keith Davey, in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Dorothy. Cherished father of Douglas (Elizabeth), Ian and Catherine. Dear stepfather of Bill (Kathleen) and Greg (Bridget). Loving grandfather to Keith, Jeffrey, Caelan, Kendra, Daniel, Bryanna, Laurenne and Madelaine. Son of Charles Minto ‘Scotty’ Davey and Grace Viola Curtis. A proud Torontonian, Keith was born April 21, 1926. He attended Allenby Public School and North Toronto Collegiate Institute before going to Victoria College at the University of Toronto, where he graduated in 1949.

Keith loved people. His sense of humour, warmth and generosity built friendships that lasted a lifetime. While Keith adored newspapers, the Blue Jays, breakfast at the Park Plaza, calling Toronto ‘a World Class City’ and recognizing someone as a ’10,’ his first passion was politics. Keith’s life was devoted to the Liberal Party of Canada. As National Director he played a central role in the re-building of the Party in the early 1960’s. Keith went on to lead many successful election campaigns for Prime Ministers Pearson and Trudeau. His efforts earned him the nickname ‘The Rainmaker,’ which became the title of his best-selling 1986 political memoir. Keith was named to the Senate in 1966 and became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1999.

The family would like to thank the staff at Belmont House for their wonderful care. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME — A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 19th, and 2:00 — 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. Thursday, January 20th.

Funeral service will take place in TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH, 230 St. Clair Avenue West on Friday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Interment will be held in Mount Pleasant Cemetery following the reception. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 1600, Toronto M4R 1K8 (www.alzheimer.ca), or Belmont House Foundation, 55 Belmont Street, Toronto M5R 1R1 (www.belmonthouse.com).

Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com