Keith Syverson

It is with great sadness that the family of Keith Syverson of Calgary, Alberta, announces his passing after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 71 years on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at his home.

Keith or “Turtle”, as he was known to family and many friends, will be lovingly remembered by his special friend, Lillian Bollman; son, Olek (Emily) Janusz; brother, Lorne (Glenda) Syverson; sister-in-law, Reva Syverson; brother-in-law, Harold Niebergall; his special nephews and niece, Kevin (Michelle), Trevor, Jay Lee (Gail), Kim (Brad), Derek and Owen; and his cherished great-nieces and nephews, Abbie, Aidan, Sydney, Tyler, Aletta, Skylar and Ella; as well as many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Hazel Syverson; and siblings, Wayne Syverson and Grace Niebergall.

Keith was born in Medicine Hat on January 24, 1952, to Frank and Hazel Syverson, and raised on the mixed family farm at Vale, Alberta.  He attended the one room Rush Lake School for grades 1-7, and then went to Medicine Hat for grades 8-12 where he graduated from Medicine Hat High School in 1970.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Law Degree in 1975 from the University of Alberta, and practiced law in Lethbridge for 3 years.  Keith then decided to change careers and go back to school where in 1982 he graduated with a master’s degree in science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary, and started his PHD studies at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and was there from 1983-1986.

Keith worked for 21 years as head of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by Health Canada for the Calgary and southern region.  When he retired in 2013, he was working as a psychologist at the old Spy Hill Correctional Centre.

Keith was an avid athlete and loved all sports.  He played high school football.  He continued to play slow pitch, racquetball, squash, and golf his whole life and recently added curling to his repertoire. He not only loved to play and compete, but so enjoyed watching and cheering on his great nieces and nephews in their sports. 

Keith loved to read. The walls of his house were filled with shelves of books.  He enjoyed reading all kinds of genres and always looked forward to his book club.

He enjoyed driving trips all over Canada and into the States and spending time with friends and family. 

Keith’s passion for meticulously maintaining contact with his friends and family is his legacy.  His ability to nurture those bonds, gifts us with cherished memories.  We honour Keith's legacy by continuing to prioritize the warmth of connection and the strength found in each other.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, 9202 Horton Rd SW, Calgary, AB on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 1-4 PM.  For additional information please contact Derek Syverson at dereksyv@gmail.com 

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Keith’s memory may be made to the Calgary Food Bank https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/donate/