In loving memory of
John Archie Keddy
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
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.
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Archie Keddy, 76, of Martins River, share the news of his passing on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Q.E. II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax.
John is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Roxanne; sisters Judy Bonnell (Wray Strong), Linda Keddy, both of Martins River, Susan Brown (Garth and sons Matt and Christian) Halifax; brother Dan (Dorothy Lohnes) Bridgewater; and niece, Stephanie Bonnell (Mark), Shelburne. He shall be missed by countless friends, and particularly by his lifelong buddy Dan Boehner.
John devoted 28 years of his life to serve with the R.C.M.P. John became an advanced driving instructor for the Force and after retirement, continued his love of driving with First Student as a charter bus driver for 12 years.
In keeping with John’s wishes there will be no public memorial service. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services. Please offer condolences at Personal Care Cremations.ca
Donations to the Martins River Fire Department would be appreciated by the family. Please mail your donation to: Martins River Fire Department
7533 Hwy #3, Martins River, Mahone Bay, NS, B0J 2E0
PRINTABLE VERSION
SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Service Note
In keeping with John’s wishes, there is to be no public memorial service.FAVOURITE CAUSES
Martins River Fire Department
Please mail your donation to: Martins River Fire Department 7533 Hwy #3, Martins River Mahone Bay, NS, B0J 2E0
PHOTOS
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Dear Roxanne,
Katherine and I were very sorry to hear of your loss.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you.
I am sorry there were only a few Family occasions over the years to get to know John.
Every meeting with you and John was so interesting and memorable.
Take care and stay in touch.
Your favourite cousin John.
Dear Roxanne,
We are very sorry for John’s passing.
Wishing you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart forever.
Gladys and Jorge Kayser
Roxann we are saddened by John,s passing he was such a great friend and part of our family growing up in Martin’s River. When you both returned to Nova Scotia you were both back in our lives again and we are so grateful for the time we all had together. John was a loyal friend and will be missed dearly.
Freddie & Cally
Dear KEDDY family. I am so sorry for your loss . John was always pleasant when l would visit Linda . Take care of each other at this difficult time. I know John will be dearly missed.
Roxanne. We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have very fond memories of him, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Never met a nicer guy. Spent time with him in RCMP, RCMP Vets and outside of both those institutions.
Paul & Rosina Richard
My Dear Roxanne,
We are very sorry for John’s passing.
We are very fortunate to have you and John as close friends for the last 35 years and we will miss him.
Our hearts go out to you and your family in these sad moments.
With lots of love,
Graciela and Jorge
I am so saddened to learn of John’s passing, Roxanne. John was a special person. He was such a good friend and colleague, and I so enjoyed the many years we worked together. His intelligence and dedication were a hallmark of his, and I have many wonderful memories of the work we shared, and the fun we had as well. Every day with John was, sincerely, a pleasure.
I know you will find comfort with your own memories of John, Roxanne. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Roxanne
Bruno and I are so deeply sorry to read of John’s passing. We are sending our deepest condolences.
(Members of the South shore RCMP vets).
A tremendous loss. I had the distinct pleasure of having worked with John during his time with the force. He was highly regarded by peers, friends and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Roxanne and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John and I shared a remarkable friendship. From childhood friends to our careers in the RCMP we moved through life sharing the same values and beliefs.
John was an honorable man who will be remembered fondly by anyone who had the privilege of getting to know him.
I miss him terribly.
Roxanne, I am always just a call away.
Roxanne, Barb and I were most shocked and saddened to hear about John. We were lucky to have such good next door neighbours all those years. It just has not been the same since you left. So sorry and our condolences.
Roxanne so sorry to hear this. John was one of the best friends I have ever had. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Mike and Ruth
So very sad to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences Roxanne and family. John was a wonderful guy and a dedicated member of the RCMP Vets. We will miss him.
Dear Roxanne,
I had the pleasure to work with John in the 90’s at the RCMP Milton Detachment. He was our team leader, friend and a gentleman. Kindly accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your loved one. May he rest in peace.
Dear Roxanne,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you have our deepest sympathy at this really sad time.
Your “down the hill” neighbours,
Susan and Don
John had great empathy for people and was kind and compassionate.
He served his country with dedication and he was a good and loyal friend to all who knew him.
My condolences to all of John’s extended family and to Roxanne.
John will be deeply missed.