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Keith Tinsley

KEITH TINSLEY
April 24, 1940 - March 26, 2026
After a brief illness, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Keith Tinsley on March 26, 2026.
Keith is survived by his wife Judy (née Blacker); three children, Jenn (Glen), Carolyn (Tom) and Jeff (Nichola); four granddaughters, Alanna (Aaron), Tinsley (Cody), Carling and Mairin; and his beautiful great-granddaughter, Lily. A special gift was meeting Jackie, Stuart and their family in the last few years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Gladys; sister Beryl; and is survived by his identical twin brother, Malcolm.
Keith was born in Wigan, England on April 24, 1940. Keith and his family immigrated to Winnipeg MB, Canada in 1953.
Keith graduated from Teachers College in 1961 and also achieved his Music and Sociology degrees from the University of Winnipeg in 1976.
His working career began in 1961 as an English and Music teacher at Luxton, Gladstone and Elmwood schools where he inspired many students to perform in operettas and pursue their own musical interests.
In 1971 Keith joined the Federal Government where he had various roles in ‘Employment and Immigration Canada’. He began as an Employment Counsellor, worked on initiatives to implement ‘creative job search techniques’ and became the Regional Manager of the Winnipeg East office. Keith retired in 1995.
Keith’s true passion was music, specifically in the style of English cathedral tradition. He was a gifted chorister in England and then at All Saints Church in Winnipeg. He went on to study pipe organ with his mentors Hugh Bancroft and Don Hadfield. He was organist and choir director at St. Albans, St. Matthew’s, St. John’s Cathedral (with Harold Christie) and St. Luke’s.
A highlight of his musical life was serving as accompanist for All Saints Choir under the direction of Don Hadfield, performing in many of England’s great cathedrals: Ely and Wells, Gloucester and Durham, York Minster and Winchester. In 1996, Keith led St. Luke’s Choir to Winchester as choir director with his friend Barry Anderson as the accompanying organist. Despite these accomplishments, Keith remained a deeply humble musician and we were very proud of him. He had a special gift for bringing music to life - shaping each piece of music with melody, poetry, sensitivity and precision. He poured himself into every note, thoughtfully choosing each registration, and used the organ to express exactly what the music was meant to say.
Keith and Judy were married for nearly 60 years and had many travel adventures together, and with their family. They enjoyed their cottage in the summer, and Arizona in the winter for many years. Special memories include camping adventures across Canada when the children were young, many trips to England, and fun vacations with Laurel and John Crouse to Mexico and Hawaii.
Keith enjoyed his coffee times with friends, daily walks, the Blue Bombers and finding a unique gadget to give to everyone at Christmas. The cottage was a happy place, where Keith loved to BBQ, mow the lawn and putter around with his projects. He made a mean Irish Coffee and a delicious English breakfast. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and Scrabble challenges at the lake.
Above all, Keith was a man of integrity and loyalty. He was caring, kind and generous, and was able to chat with anyone he met. He had a cheeky sense of humour and loved a good Scotch on his deck at the lake.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Victoria General Hospital (4N), including Dr. Bruce Martin and Sarah Jane Beaudry for their exceptionally kind care of Keith and his family during this difficult time.
‘If music be the food
of love, play on.’
~ William Shakespeare
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CancerCare Manitoba.
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Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Julie Collings
April 8, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Deep condolences to Judy and all the family. Keith was part of my very happy experience at St Luke's as a theology student and deacon. Talented, hard -working and a natural teacher. May all your memories be a blessing.

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Julie Oleksiuk
April 8, 2026 at 8:35 AM
So very sorry to hear of Keith's passing. I have so many happy memories of singing in St Luke's choir under Keith's direction. Keith had such incredible talent and love for music, you could see how much joy it brought him. I will always remember his smile , laugh and kindness. Sending my love and condolences to Judy, Jen, Carolyn, Jeff and all of his family .

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Linda Attree
April 7, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Keith was our organist and choirmaster at St Alban's Anglican Church. Under his direction the choir sang Handel's Messiah with Irene Sham singing the soprano solos. Syd Blacker, shortly afterwards to become Keith's father-in-law, recorded us using a reel to reel tape recorder. Whether true or not, we thought we sounded amazing.... good memories during teenage years.

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Robert Elms
April 5, 2026 at 2:20 PM
A good-natured gentleman, who always engaged folks with a twinkle in his eye and a warm-hearted smile -- someone who folks looked forward to bumping into, that was the Keith so many of us had the good fortune to get to know, even if only casually.
Deepest condolences to Judy and the rest of the family.

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Cathy and Ken Beavis
April 5, 2026 at 3:55 AM
We were so sad to hear about the passing of Keith. We have fond memories of the time Keith and Judy spent at 25 Triton Bay and the family cottage at Granite Lake. Keith and Harold shared a special bond. The music they created was always a special part of church services. They both loved the Easter celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Love Cathy and Ken

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Michael and Valerie Christie
April 4, 2026 at 9:33 PM
My deepest condolences to Keith's family. I have great memories of Keith and his laugh whenever he and my father would get together for dinner. I could hear their laughter from out the house! I always thought there couldn't have been a better matching of musical minds in which the congregation at St. John's had the privilege of listening to.
Thoughts and prayers to Judy and family 🙏

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Barb and Dave Christie
April 4, 2026 at 8:58 PM
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Keith. Keith and Judy spent many hours in past years at 25 Triton Bay with Eve and Harold Christie. Harold and Keith had a special bond at the cathedral and Granite Lake playing wonderful music on the organ. Judy and family you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave and I send our warmest blessings and can only hope Harold and Keith are sharing some music above.
Blessings to all!🙏🏻
Barb and Dave Christie

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Barbara Fisher
April 4, 2026 at 7:34 PM
I first encountered Keith when we both sang in the chorus of The Mikado at Kelvin school in 1954. Later we became acquainted when he was the organist and choir master at st. Luke's church. The choir was excellent and he really made the organ sing! Over many decades Keith made a huge contribution to Anglican church music in our city . He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family.

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Sheldon Wolfenson
April 4, 2026 at 7:26 PM
I had Mr. Tinsley as a teacher in the early 1960's at Luxton School. He provided me with a foundation for literature and music that has been a gift for my entire life. A wonderful person, a tremendous teacher. Thank you for your patience and generosity of spirit. You brought good things to the world.

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Bryn Nixon
April 4, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Sending my thoughts and prayers. He was such a passionate player. I learned so much from watching and listening to him. He always had wisdom to share—offered with wit and generosity—and I’ve never forgotten it.

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Janet (Sayers) Irwin
April 4, 2026 at 5:10 PM
I was so very sorry to read of Keith's passing. Judy, I pray you feel some peace as you reflect on what an amazing life and family you created together. Sixty years of love is a wonderful life.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I think of you often and hope we can catch up some day my dear friend and mentor from long ago.

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Arnold Johnson
April 4, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Our choir will sing evensongs in Ely Cathedral this July. We will hold Keith in our hearts and remember his wonderful playing there.

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Rick Morgan
April 4, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Condolences to the family. I was a tenor on that first All Saints' choir tri to Ely and Wells in 1979 and Keith was the organist. Many happy memories of that trip and other church musical connections with Keith over many years!

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Bill (neighbor)
April 4, 2026 at 1:10 PM
I knew Keith as a neighbor in our condominium community. His presence was solid and reinforced when he spoke with his powerful voice. His presence will be missed. My condolences to the family.

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Ellie Willis
April 4, 2026 at 11:49 AM
My memories of Keith go back to our Manpower days at the Cathedral & Main office. I wondered if I had made a mistake joining the Feds when I saw all the 'gray-haired' folks at the downtown office and then was told I'd be part of a newer office in the North end. Keith was part of that group, along with many of the newbies. We all felt we could make a difference in the lives of our clients. Initially, we shared a ride into the office and had the chance for some intense chats. I remember his quit wit, delightful accent and his passion for those things for which he deeply cared, especially his family and his music.
My deepest Sympathy to Judy and family.

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Darlene Clark (Wasiuta)
April 4, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Mr. Tinsley, the music teacher at Elmwood High in the late '60s had an incredbile gift to see the best in each student and encourage ALL to participate in operettas such as HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and more. I was a rather reluctant "Josephine" with little to no musical ability, but Mr. Tinsley assured me I was the perfect fit for the character...probably because I sang loudly in the chorus, but with one small solo line. His passion inspired so many of us, despite our interest or level of ability.....a true "teacher".

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Jeffrey Lomas
April 4, 2026 at 9:25 AM
The house by the park. As a friend of Jeff's growing up I spent a lot of time at Keith and Judy's house. He was always very kind and welcoming, along with Judy and Jeff's sisters. That deep voice with the English accent - not going to lie, scared me sometimes - especially when Jeff and I were up to no good, but upon reflection I think it came with a somewhat sarcastic tone. In his mind he was probably thinking "you idiots" with a chuckle. I'll always remember that house, and the park right next to it - as it is basically across the street from where I currently live!
I've lost touch with Jeff over the years, such as life, but just wanted to share my condolences. Take care.

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Rennie Bodi Winnipeg
April 4, 2026 at 8:41 AM
My fondest memories of Elmwood High School were playing in the band and many wonderful operettas under the tutelage of Arthur Buss and Keith, respectively. I auditioned with Keith to take part in the operettas, and remember his request to sing the middle note of the there notes he played on the piano. He welcomed me to the make-up team! He was kind, generous with his spirit and time. My deepest condolences to his family.

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Joan Stephens
April 2, 2026 at 8:27 AM
I first met Keith when he engaged me as a soloist at St Luke’s. His knowledge and love of Anglican Church music knew no bounds, and he instilled that same enthusiasm in me. I will be forever grateful for the musical opportunities he provided, especially our weeklong residency at Winchester Cathedral.
My deepest condolences to Judy and family. May his memory be a blessing to you always.

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Derek and Ann Mallows
April 1, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Sincere condolences to Judy and family. We have pleasant memories of good chats, potlucks and happy times by the pool in Arizona.

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Tim Stephenson
April 1, 2026 at 4:56 PM
My condolences to Keith's family. My brief exposure to his musical talent came during my two years with the Winnipeg Boys Choir in particular the week leading up t0 Christmas when he herded us unruly "cats" into a singing group for our week long stint in Eston's Grill Room. Brilliant.

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