Obituary of Keith Geddes Fillmore

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Keith Fillmore, age 90, on September 24, surrounded by his four children. Born in Truro, N.S., he was the son of Erma Geddes and Charles Fillmore.  His life was anything but ordinary. At 17, he left his hometown to attend Queen’s University (B.Sc.), then Princeton (Masters). As an engineer in Calgary, he saved enough money to finance a two-year trip around the world, by ship, to places such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Vietnam and India, ultimately ending up in Paris, where he studied French and later met his wife Liselotte Halder. Together, they moved to Kampala, Uganda, where Keith taught college physics, and they started a family. His doctoral studies took him to UBC, and a position as professor at Saint Mary’s University finally brought him back to Halifax. Passionate about music throughout his life, he played many instruments, including the violin, which he took up in retirement! His involvement in the Maritime Conservatory String Orchestra, the Down Home Fiddlers and the Bedford Leisure Club Orchestra was the source of much joy and many long-term friendships in his later years. He will be remembered for his practical nature, his curiosity, his (often cynical) sense of humour and his kindness.

He is survived by his children Patricia (Jean-François), Montréal; Lawrence (Sharon), Halifax; Charlotte (Ryan), Halifax; Monica (Jason), Vernon, B.C.; 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, his sister Elizabeth Etter, as well as many friends and relatives.

Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home Ltd.  Donations in his memory may be made to the Ecology Action Center, the Nature Conservancy of Canada or a charity of your choice. He has been buried in the Mahon Cemetery, Great Village.