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Gail Short posted a condolence
Monday, November 18, 2024
Dear Lars and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Keith’s passing, he was definitely a fabulous friend to my whole family. Of course, his friendship with my Dad, Norm Short, was great as 2 men and that just wanted others to learn to and enjoy skiing for themselves.
I remember the store in mid-town mall, the one at Arena St and Bond St, the one on Ritson Rd, the one on Taunton and of course the one at the hill. Like my sister,niece and nephew I worked for Keith at the store on Ritson and the first in Peterborough, on Clonsilla at the top of the Parkway. Always fun times especially on Christmas Eve.
I sent many people to Keith’s establishment for equipment and clothing and purchased many an item for myself.
I will miss seeing him at the store and around town, on occasion I would meet him at Churchill’s fish and chips!!
He did a lot for skiing in this area and for that I am very grateful.
So I hope he goes find Norm and they shoot the shit over a few pints and a number of Bacardis and coke.
With all my sympathy,
Gail Short
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Paul Plaister uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 18, 2024
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It is impossible to convey in a few words, a whole lifetime of friendship and just what Danny meant to us all. To put it simply (and maybe best), he was and will forever be one of the “Plaister” clan, a part of our family.
In fact Danny played a major part in our family being formed. Danny and Dad first became friends after meeting at technical college back in the day. In a rare coincidence Danny recognised the Plaister surname as being the same as that of his colleague John at work, who turned out to be Dads brother. Introductions were made and a lifelong friendship formed. A short time later, in a way only he could, Danny had convinced Dad to take part in Newtown Youth Clubs Pantomime production of Jack and beanstalk, Danny as the leading role (of course) and Dad as the rear end of the cow! It was here that they both met mom who was working as a member of the backstage crew and the rest as they say is history.
Since then 3,550 miles and the Atlantic Ocean, (or much farther in many cases) didn't stop Danny from being there and being a major part of all of the special moments in all our lives.
From road trips to Mexico, to weddings, christenings and birthdays, the force of nature that was Dan, is an unforgettable part of lots of our most special memories.
Our lives will be a quieter, but much less fun place without you and you will be missed greatly.
You were never one for goodbyes, so for now we will just say so long.
All our love, always.
Paul, Zoe, Jody, Cassie, Justin, Trish, Charlie, Tilly, Archie, Jess, Ollie, Grace, Henry, Samuel, Florence and Benjamin (The Plaister Clan).
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Judy & Don O’Leary donated to Canadian Cancer Society - Société Canadienne Du Cancer
Friday, November 15, 2024
To Lars, Andrea, Ben and Spencer…you have wonderful memories of a fine dad and grampa. He was a great friend to many and one of a kind!
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Pierre and Rosalind Coutu posted a condolence
Friday, November 15, 2024
Keith has always welcomed my family and me starting 40 years ago at kirby and at the oshawa store. My wife called him from europe once because she wanted advice about her rentals. That is the kind of relationship we had with him. My kids and grandkids have benefited from his expertise. We will all miss him.
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Bill Watt donated to Room 217 Foundation
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Keith gave me my first job (1972?) assembling bikes and helping out around the shop..
Whenever, I was back in Oshawa I always tried to drop by the shop and have a visit with Keith.
He was a great guy and had the biggest heart.
Bill Watt
North Vancouver, BC
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Andrew Snetsinger uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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Hearing of Keith's passing brought back a flood of memories from our time in the ski shop business —the highs and lows through the seasons, and so many unforgettable moments. One of my fondest memories is Keith introducing me to "lager and lime" at a local pub in Oshawa. My thoughts are with Lars and the rest of the family. I hope you can take comfort in knowing how many lives Keith touched in such a positive way. Attaching a couple of pictures from Montreal buying trip and a Christmas party (I think 1997).
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Alison Laas donated to Canadian Cancer Society - Société Canadienne Du Cancer
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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Tyler James posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
In the fall of 2018- I had just graduated from university and wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with my life yet, but I knew I wanted to start making money while I figured that out. My Uncle had told me that one of his friends was looking for help at his ski and snowboard store.
When I walked in- I was prepared for at least a mini-interview of some kind. Instead- I found a nice British man leaning against the counter, drinking from a plastic cup. He reached out and shook my hand, "Keith Danielsen....with an E-N not an O-N, because I'm a sen of a bitch not a son of a bitch". No interview took place. I started the next day.
There are many hilarious Keith stories that are etched in my memory from the 4 years I worked at Mount Kirby. And those that worked there for much longer than I did probably have even more of their own. But I soon learned almost once a shift, Keith would say something hilarious. I decided to start keeping track of these pearls of wisdom.
If we had a dollar for every time Keith told a married woman in the store "We know he has good taste, but we question yours..."
On a very slow summer day in the store, we were watching his beloved Jays on TV and a commercial came on. Keith turned to us and asked, "This East Side Marios place...is it Italian food?"
Whenever anyone over 6 foot 2 walked in the store, you could count down the seconds until Keith would shout “HOW CAN WE HELP YOU, SHORTY?”
Keith loved Mount Kirby, but I think he loved Kirby, his labradoodle and store namesake, even more. On one of my first days working, a family walked in with a nervous toddler. Kirby greeted them at the door as he always did. Keith looked at this 6-year-old boy, totally straight faced, and said "Watch out...he eats children".
Any customer that ever asked about Kirby, was treated to the story about how both he and Keith shared the same birthday, always capping it off with “we were meant to be”.
While Keith loved to tease and heckle people, he also really loved to help people. There were MANY times when he would give away used skis to young kids who needed them or bend the store policy to make sure that everyone walked out of the store happy.
One of the greatest examples of the kind of person Keith was: every Christmas he would buy gift cards for the drive-thru ladies at the McDonalds where he would buy his coffee each morning. And- as all of the Mount Kirby family knows, regardless of how rough a year it had been, when the annual Christmas Eve Day party rolled around, there was always an envelope with a Christmas bonus in it, with whatever clever nickname he had assigned to you written on the front.
Keith often told us that he had so many surgeries and metal plates in his body, that when his time comes, "THEY'RE GOING TO MELT ME DOWN".
One Remembrance Day, we were unloading huge racks from the ski show that had just ended. 3 or 4 families poured in, all looking to get their skis serviced. Keith quipped “Did you ALL have to come at once???”, One lady responded, “Keith you should know we always bring our skis in to get tuned on November 11th”. Keith shouted back, “WELL LEST I FORGET!”
I wrote all these quotes down, knowing that the time would eventually come when I’d have to share them all to remember him. I'm sad the time has come so soon.
While working at Mount Kirby could be grueling, it was also one of the best jobs you could ever have. What made the job great wasn’t fitting boots, or adjusting bindings, or selling equipment. What made the job great was the people.
I will forever be grateful to Keith and Marni for welcoming me into the Mount Kirby family. I look back fondly on the long chaotic Saturdays, the marathon ski shows, the crazy Boxing Days, and the slow dog days of summer.
Through Mount Kirby, Keith became an Oshawa celebrity with a larger-than-life personality. His entrepreneurial drive served countless customers and provided jobs and opportunities for hundreds of people over the years. This- along with his family, is his lasting legacy.
While Keith is now in a better place, one of the best ways to keep his memory alive is to recount the great stories, and in true Keith fashion, repeat those quotes, over and over and over.
Keith- for all you did for me, and all of us: thank you.
Tyler James, aka “Jesse”
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Michael and Christine Laing pledged to donate to THE HOSPITAL SICK CHILDREN FOUNDATION
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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The Corneal Family planted a tree in memory of Keith Danielsen
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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Brooke Kellett posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
It is with a heavy heart, but also deep gratitude for the cherished memories, that I remember Keith. Like so many others, I was fortunate enough to grow up at the Mount Kirby ski shop. From getting my first pair of skis at a young age to landing my first job — which led to a decade of working there — Keith and the rest of the Mount Kirby staff became like family to me.
Reflecting on my time at Mount Kirby, I find peace and comfort in the familiar warmth the ski shop brought to me and so many others. Keith had a unique way of doing things — from how the skis were brought in to be tuned, to the setup of the clothing racks, to the meticulous tagging of items for the Boxing Day sale just before Christmas.
Christmas time always brings back fond memories. Keith was incredibly generous to his staff, always ensuring we received Christmas cards with kind messages and a little extra xmas cash. He would even pick one lucky staff member to escape the rush of last-minute shoppers and help him with gift wrapping. He was so proud of his grandkids, and was especially excited each year to show us the gifts he had carefully chosen for them. It brought him such joy to share in their happiness. The holidays drew so many people to the shop, both friends and loyal customers, all wanting to wish Keith a Merry Christmas — a true testament to the friend he was to so many.
Keith was hilarious. I remember the endless laughs we had before or after a shift, sitting on that wooden bench and listening to him go on about who knows what. I can still hear him calling out "wanker" or someone’s name from the back shop or down the stairs, his thick Birmingham accent vibrating through the whole store.
Looking back, I will always remember Keith with so much love in my heart. He took care of me and so many other “kids” (though we’re not so young anymore). His loyalty to his staff, friends, and regular customers was unwavering.
Love you always, Keith.
Brooke & Mackenzie Kellett
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Love, Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn Thomson xo planted a tree in memory of Keith Danielsen
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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In loving memory of our favourite Englishman. May your free spirit and abundant generosity live on in all who were lucky enough to know you. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Kelly Fredriksson posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Lars and family,
I am saddened to hear of Keith's passing. He used to visit me at the post office, we would have a little chat, he would do his mailing and back to work he would go. He was a very special man who will be missed immensely. May he rest in peace.
Kelly Fredriksson
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Kelly Corneal posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Our hearts are heavy with sadness after hearing of Kieth’s passing.
My family has know Kieth for over 50 years. Starting with shop in the mall and waterskis for my parents, to the shop on Taunton road and skis/snowboards for my brother and I and eventually mom and dad lol.
Every time we walked through the door we were met by Kieth’s smile and treated us like family. Ski season could never officially kick off without a trip to Mount Kirby to see Keith!
Thank you Kieth for all you did for our family. You truly made a different and impacted all of our lives. You will be greatly missed. May your spirit with live on in memories and stories shared.
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Groupe Rossignol Canada planted a tree in memory of Keith Danielsen
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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Laura Charles posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Not many people can speak of their first job as fondly as I can. I was incredibly lucky to work for Keith as my first part time job. Long hours working the tent sale, Christmas season and boxing day madness. Mount Kirby Skis and Boards had such a profound impact on my family. My mom Sue worked for Keith most of my childhood and I have such fond memories of Christmas Eve parties sneaking pot luck snacks in the back shop, playing hide and seek in the stock room upstairs, and visiting Keith in his office. Growing up there wasn't a time we didn't pop into the store & head up the creaky stairs to make sure we said hi to Keith before we left. He then employed me & my brother Aaron throughout high school. The store was my second home during my teenage years and into college & I feel so blessed that it was my welcome into the workforce. My condolences to everyone who will be missing his presence everyday.
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Brian Barker posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Family ... so sorry to hear of Keith's sudden passing. Our connection goes back some 50 years. Oshawa Tennis Club initialy (club nights & road trips) and then again at Oshawa Golf Club 1983-2020. We spent golfing every Tuesday with Steve H. , Bob T. & myself for years. Keith also played with the Seniors group and was a generous sponser of the initial Monday Night Men's League.
His wild sense of humour , endless energy and zest for life was always at the for!
As we were known as "Q" & "Tip" because of our striking white hair for years. I will greatly miss "Q"
Brian Barker
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Oscar Milla posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family of Keith, great person to work with.
Oscar
Kombi Sports Inc
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dwayne Chapman posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
I have not seen Keith for quite some time, but the memories of him, seem like yesterday. Keith was not only a great customer, but also became a friend. He was kind and accepting of me when I first joined the ski business, and our business grew exponentially over the years. Many fun nights out in Montreal for delicious dinners, and Hockey Games. The world has lost a breath of fresh air....just don't make him mad ;)
I am sorry I am out of town and unable to attend the service. My condolences, Lars and Family.
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Pat Worden posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Keith was a special Friend. He was always ready to spend time with you and would talk about the things he loved. Family, skiing, golfing, friends. He made time for everyone who came by. Will certainly miss him.
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Sue Jenkins posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Good memories of many days spent working for Keith, first at the midtown mall store as a teen and at the Taunton Rd store as an adult. Keith was always great to my family. First employing me then later on both my children Laura and Aaron for many years. Lots of history. Sue Jenkins
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Graeme Bilenduke posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Thank you for being the store of choice for the Bilenduke family. From the early 70’s to 2023 the ski season wouldn’t be complete unless we shopped at the store, sat with Keith in the boot fitting room and spun up a great memory or story.
We will certainly cherish these memories.
The Bilendukes
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Darlene Howe uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
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I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. Keith was a great neighbour of ours for over 20 years or so - I can’t really remember the year Keith moved in across the street. Many times, on Xmas morning, we would find gifts for our girls from Keith. One of their favourites was a karaoke machine.
Keith was always a very energetic and happy guy who always brought a spark and lots of laughter to a gathering. He had a mischievous grin and had a way of owning any setting with great stores to tell. He loved a good meal and during Covid, I often left him a plate of dinner on his doorstep. He so looked forward to that. I am very upset with myself for not following through on my plan to have Keith over for a visit after he moved in 2023. RIP Keith - there will never be another. ❤️
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Lars Danielsen uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
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Ros Coutu lit a candle
Monday, November 11, 2024
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My memories will last and fond ones they are. The happy generous guy who helped everyone and was the light in our skiing life. Wish him well and land softly you will be missed from our family.
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Scott Bunker posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
I am forever grateful for the opportunity and encouragement Keith provided me in my high school years. He hired me to work at Mt Kirby Ski Shop - both on the hill at Oshawa Ski Club and in the main store on Taunton Road. Very quickly Keith named me “Scooter”……but with his British accent it sounded like “Scoo-Tah”. Whenever he needed me to do something he would call out “Scoo-Tah! Scoo-Tah!!”
Working at Mt Kirby was a dream job for a kid that loved skiing and having some extra spending money in his jeans - plus the chance to work with pals like Lars, Will Stephen and Rob Hercia. First, I am grateful that Keith was far more patient and tolerant of my teenage behaviour than I deserved - particularly after late nights out partying with an awesome crew of friends from O’Neill and Eastdale. Even though I was sometimes slow to get moving in the mornings, Keith didn’t give me a hard time. I think it helped that Lars was often part of the equation, but I’m pretty sure Keith also liked to hear stories about all of us young lads having a good time. He knew a good party himself, which I thought was pretty cool. Second, Keith pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop confidence that I have carried into my adult life. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and encouraged me to sell ski equipment to customers on the sales floor. It was daunting at first but I was fortunate to have observed his smooth sales swagger in action several times, and before long I was emulating Keith and closing deals of my own.
To this day, I often think about how much the experience at Mt Kirby taught me about dealing with people of all ages, helped my confidence, and solidified longstanding friendships - which I appreciate and cherish very much. Thank you Keith - you will be deeply missed.
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Madison Snowden uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 11, 2024
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To this day we still call everyone from the shop the Mt Kirby Family and Keith was the heart of it all. I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything he taught me and he will be truly missed. One of my favourite memories of Keith is that he would go to the shop on Xmas day every year for those that forgot to pick up their kids skis in time just to ensure no kids would be empty handed on Xmas morning. Thanks for everything <3
A Memorial Tree was planted for Keith Danielsen
Monday, November 11, 2024
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The family of Keith Danielsen uploaded a photo
Monday, November 11, 2024
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Jason Craine posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
If you were a friend to Lars, then you were forever in Keith's good graces.
What I will always remember about Keith is his tremendous love and pride for his son. That bright exuberance for Lars spilled over from Keith onto all of Lars's friends like sunlight through a window, warming us all.
We were always welcome in his house as kids, and even though we were young punks, Keith treated us with an adult-like respect we had not yet earned.
Larso, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. He was well loved!
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McKie Family posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
Mr. Danielsen - Keith, as he always made us call him, was a father figure to so many of Lars’ friends. We were always excited to spend time with him, at the golf course, his shop, or the pub. Always sharing wisdom, but never once did he talk to us like children. His confidence, kindness and swagger was so inspiring, but more importantly, he made everyone feel better and loved. Each conversation was purposeful and engaging, always something to learn when you were lucky enough to talk to Keith. I loved every interaction with Keith, and even though he never wanted us to call him Mr, Danielsen, he’ll always be “Lars’ Dad to me”.
Lots of love to the full family, he will be missed, but not forgotten.
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Frank and Lynda Vanderzwet posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
To Lars and family
Frank and I are shocked to hear of our friend Keith’s passing. Over 50 years we have had the pleasure of buying our ski equipment and ski wear from Mount Kirby, Our daughter Leslie continued to buy her ski equipment for herself and son when she moved out west. Keith always was fun to be with and always looked after us. He will be missed by us and many others who have had the pleasure of dealing with Keith over the years. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. May he Rest in Peace.
Frank and Lynda Vanderzwet.
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Judy O’Leary posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
Keith was a good friend! His sense of humour was incomparable…always a smile and a new joke. He was a true entrepreneur and made a friend of every customer who came into the shop! He outfitted my children with new ski equipment and clothing from early years until their teens. Later, my grandchildren looked forward to getting their new skis, boots and outfits every year. Rest in peace Keith. You were one of a kind!
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Daniel Eddy posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
I have known Keith since I could walk. At 3 years of age I began to ski being born into a ski family.
From that moment on Keith had a presence in my life for every pair of skis I owned . In the summer it was mid town sports for all my skate board needs!
Every time I walked into his store it was like a candy store for me! Whether it was his store in town or the years of his shop at the Oshawa ski club! Where I was pretty sure I could tune skis at the age of 12!
Once married my own children started to enjoy skiing at 3 years of age and Keith was there/present as he always has been.
To me Keith, is synonymous with my 45 years as a member of the Oshawa ski club and the whole ski community . Keith’s impact on the sport cannot be denied.
Iam truly grateful for all that Keith has brought to my life enjoying the sport with my Dad /Mom and brothers, continuing on with my sons!
Keith you will be missed, my sincerest condolences to the family.
Not a winter will go by without a run for you!
Daniel Eddy
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Al Jones posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
Q: How did you meet Keith?
A: 1st met Keith in 1972 in his midtown mall store and I last dealt with him in 2023 in his Taunton Rd store 51 years of great ski service will be missed. We where both members at OGC and had a number of golf games together. Keiths handicap made him a very valuable team member for mens opening and closing team events.
Keith provided my family with excellent ski service and I demoed skis for him both at Tremblant and Blue Mountain
Keith was also a dental patient of mine for more than 40 years. Probably filled most teeth in his head over the years.
Rest in piece my friend, I should be joining you soon. God Bless
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Mary Jane Monteith/Salmers posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
Keith was a true character . So full of life and positive energy. He touched so many lives through his store which became more than a store as it brought together the ski/snowboard community.
My late husband David Salmers and his friends were frequent visitors as much for the retail options as for the positive vibe and chance to share stories with Keith. Many stops were made to check out the store on the way home from skiing. Generous and fair he tolerated the obsessive checking out of merchandise ( by Dave) and would remark humorously " So are you going to buy something this time ?". He outfitted many families, skillfully tuned skiis and passed on the trade to others. He miraculously fit boots to many problem feet! Mine included. He was a master!
For my late husband and my family I would like to pass on our condolences to his family and friends as well
as our gratitude that Keith was a part of our lives and so many memories.
