Obituary of Keith Danbrook

Keith Danbrook of Terrace Lodge in Aylmer ON passed away at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Friday November 13, 2015 in his 97th year. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Brackenbury) Danbrook. Dear father of Sharon Danbrook of Orosi Costa Rica, Carolyn Holmes (John) of Peterborough ON, Brenda Daniel (David) of Avon ON , Frank Danbrook (Wallie) of L'Ascension PQ, Tom Danbrook (Ruth) of Aylmer ON, Mike Danbrook (Heather) of Tillsonburg ON, and John Danbrook (Jenny) of Tillsonburg ON. He was predeceased by his elder brother Elwood and is survived by sisters Verna Chute of London ON and June Whaley of St Thomas ON. He leaves 21 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews. ,Born in Muir Ontario on July 27, 1919, he was the son of the late James and Velma (Potter) Danbrook. He and his family moved to Grovesend ON in Malahide Township in 1934. He met the love of his life at Lakeview Baptist Church and they were married in March 1941. Keith was soon to become a soldier and served in the Army during the Second World War. Due to his father becoming ill, he was ordered home to tend his father's livestock and farming operation. Soon thereafter, he purchased his first farm at Grovesend ON. In 1950 he purchased a farm at Mapleton ON where he proudly developed and bred his prize winning jersey cattle herd. He exhibited his cattle in competitions at many fall fairs with the support of his children who also enjoyed the show circuit. In 1974 he sold his breeding and farming operation and moved to the Tillsonburg area where he developed an interest in fancy chickens. He proceeded to breed prize winning chickens, exhibiting them at the fall fairs just as he had with his Jerseys. At the same time, he could be seen at local parades and exhibitions with his three trained oxen. He also regained his interest in producing maple syrup and along with the help of his son and grandson, produced a sought after crop every year. In the summer months he grew amazing raspberries and assisted his wife in developing her beloved gardens. His interest in antiques and preservation of agricultural knowledge transpired into him opening his own private Museum of Agriculture. He was also happily employed at Canada Farm Labour Pool for several years. Keith served as President of both the Aylmer and Tillsonburg Fair Boards, and President of the Ontario Jersey Cattle Club. He was proud of his many accomplishments, including being inducted into the Elgin Agricultural Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal. Family and friends celebrated his life on Monday November 16, 2015 at Kebbel Funeral Home in Aylmer ON. Internment was at Aylmer Cemetery.