Passed away peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the age of 81. Beloved partner, husband, and soulmate of Janet (Madsen). Cherished brother to Alan (Vera) and David (Jocelyn). Proud uncle to Alan, Angela (John), Christopher (Paula), Helena (Andrew), Alicia (Shawn), and Brittany (Evan), as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews. He will also be sorely missed by his canine companion Herbie. Predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Adeline Altass; brother, Brian; and sister-in-law, Patricia; and in-laws, Axel and Alice Madsen. Keith was a very quiet, kind, and caring man. He was well respected by all who knew him. He was always willing to help others. Keith was born in Hull, England and emigrated to Prince Edward Island in 1967. In 1969 he and Janet met, and the rest is history. For a few years Keith could be seen driving the London Double Deck bus through the streets of Charlottetown and out on the North Shore. After a few years at the Georgetown Shipyard, Keith established his own business Island Liferafts Inc. He was well known in the marine industry for his contribution to lifesaving at sea. He and Janet were not only partners in life but also in business. They worked tirelessly side by side and also started Island Canvas & Textiles. He earned a reputation for making top quality industrial tarpaulins for the trucking and agriculture sectors. Keith was very entrepreneurial in setting up new types of businesses on Prince Edward Island. He and his brother David began manufacturing braided rope for the fishing industry. Keith’s entrepreneurial spirit was also evident when he took it upon himself to start a project for the tourism industry – a replica pirate ship the “Hispaniola” from the story Treasure Island to carry twenty-five passengers. His intent was to take children to an island where they would be met by Ben Gunn, a pirate, and dig for gold coins. In later years, Keith and Janet decided to build a new home where they enjoyed many happy years together. Family and friends are invited to the graveside service being held in Sherwood Cemetery on Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday following the interment, from 12-3 p.m. at the Jack Blanchard Hall. Memorial donations may be made directly to the PEI Humane Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Online condolences may be made at: www.macleanfh.com Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure; you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Keith Malcolm George ALTASS
