It is our honour to have known and our deepest sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved father Cornelis Dirk van Spengen, lovingly known as Keith Spengen. Keith was born in Amersfoort in the Netherlands, December 3rd 1946. He came to Canada at the age of 6. At the age of 34 Keith was adopted into a huge family that, unbeknownst to him, would only get bigger and bigger when he married the love of his life, Loretto Spengen (nee Keough) in 1981. Keith was a living example to his family of the meaning of lifeforce and will power. After a career at the post office in downtown Guelph, the ex-scholar, musician, chess ace, military service man, carpenter- generally inspiring man, surmounted many obstacles and endured whatever life could throw at him with the patience of Job and an incurable optimism. Keith’s great lesson to all of us was about acceptance. He accepted everyone into his life with open armed enthusiasm and a keen lack of judgement. Keith passed away at the Guelph General Hospital on Friday, December 30, 2022, from coronary arrest. The family wishes to thank all of the health care workers who provided incredible help over this last year of Keith’s life.
Keith was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Margaret van Spengen and his brother Herman. He will be missed by brother Herman’s children, Jennifer, Rod and Clayton, his sister Marg and her children Christopher and Joshua as well as his brother Ben and wife Paula and their children Anna and Rebecca and his great niece Raya.
Keith was loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Loretto Spengen (nee Keough),
his children: Robyn and Stephen, Ted and Sharon, Kelly and Kathy, Tim and Michelle, Matt and Colleen, Adam and Tina, Nadine and Dean, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild: Lane and Jon, Jesse, Tegan, Owen, Kate and Brendan, Emanuel, Issac, Sebastian, Ariel and Kieran, Stirling, Ethan, Sadye, Isabelle, Matthew and Melissa, Liam, Alexandra and Michael, Taylor, Allanah, Spencer, Trevor, Kody, Parker, Mia, Cora and too numerous to name the many in-
laws, nieces and nephews of the Keough and van Spengen extended family.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.