Sylvia (Smith) Keehn

Sylvia Keehn (Smith)

Sept 10, 1935-Aug 10, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom and grandma, Sylvia Keehn (Smith), at Bulkley Lodge in Smithers, BC, on August 10, 2026. 

Sylvia will be deeply missed by her sons Jerry (Carol), Chris (Brenda), Bruce (Marlene), Wayne (Nichole), Thomas (Jen), and Kevin (Blanche), along with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandson, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert, her son David, and her sister Violet.

Sylvia was born in Red Deer, Alberta to Mary & Ben Smith.  Her family moved to BC near Ladner for work in the fishing industry, and later moved to Rutland, BC. It was there that she met Herbie, and the two married and began their life together. Together they raised seven boys, with the family moving to various logging camps and communities over the years, including Quesnel, Hazelton, Princeton and Terrace, before finally settling in Telkwa in 1965. Through the years, Sylvia worked planting trees, and cleaning at the Smithers hospital, where she worked for 20 years—all while raising seven boys. Anyone who knew Sylvia knew that raising those seven boys qualified as a full-time job. Sylvia retired in 1995 and joined Herbie in enjoying some of the things they loved most—fishing, camping and simply being outdoors. In the summer, you could find her on the Kitimat Riverbank with her trusty yellow fishing rod, catching all the fish; and in the fall, she could be found picking pine mushrooms in the Nass Valley.

Sylvia will be remembered for her mountains of patience, her positive outlook, her family feasts, her kindness, and most of all, her deep, deep love for her family.

On Sylvia’s behalf, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Bulkley Lodge, as well as Dr. Blackstock and Dr. Haskins, for the care and kindness shown to her.

A Celebration of Sylvia’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Telkwa Seniors Hall on Birch Street in Telkwa, BC. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us to remember Sylvia, share stories, and celebrate a life centered around family. A light lunch and refreshments will be served.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sylvia (Smith) Keehn, please visit our Tree Store.