Keith Cake

On Saturday, December 7^th at 11:20 PM, our father, Keith Edward Cake passed away at the age of 76. Unfortunately, Dad’s cancer diagnoses came too late, and he spent the last six weeks in hospital and hospice care surrounded, every day, by friends and family. 

Dad led a life filled with outdoor adventure. He was one of the first men to ever drive the Alaska Highway, and every family road trip involved “the road less traveled.” He spoke just last week about still having, hidden somewhere in the house, the poker chip he won 50 years ago at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall in the Yukon.

His horses brought great joy to his life; we think they brought him a sense of peace he couldn’t always find with people. Watching Dad on the back of a horse was something special. It brought out the best in him. You never saw Dad without a well-loved dog at his heels, and later in life there were birds of all types, pigeons, fish. Last year we laughed about him having a clandestine meeting to purchase a shark from a guy in a back alley. The thing is as small as my thumb and Dad loved it! 

His greatest love, however, was Mom. When we talked on Thursday, he was at peace knowing he’d be with her soon. Really, she’s all that ever mattered. We kids and grandkids are comforted knowing his battle was brief and he didn’t suffer longer than necessary. Our Dad was a proud, strong man and he didn't want many people to see him sick or to witness the rapid affects the brain and lung cancer had on his body. We will remember him as the strong horseman he was, and we will miss him. 

As was his wish, he will be cremated, and the ashes laid to rest with Mom. Dad requested no celebration of life or funeral service. He did, however, ask for two things: 

1. Enjoy an ice-cream, whatever flavour you like, and think of a good memory you have of him - Dad preferred a small bowl of Vanilla every night after dinner, usually followed by another small bowl. 
2. Lord knows the man wasn’t a drinker, but, in honour of his young and wild years, he hopes you’ll toast him this holiday season with a shot of Gibson’s Finest Whiskey. 

He leaves a legacy in his children, Kelly Sowa, Trevor (Catherine) Cake, Rayanne (Doug) Haines. In his grandchildren, Amanda (Garnet) Whale, James (Haley) Doucet, Deen Doucet, Justin Sowa (Alyssa), Kassandra Cake. In his great grandchildren, Connor Whale, Kinsley Whale, Olive Doucet, Kade Doucet, Cove Doucet.

And do not be sad; He’s got his cowboy boots on and he’s walking to Mom.

* If you would like to make any donations in his honour, the family requests donations be made to the Edmonton Humane Society https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/donate/donate-in-tribute/