Dr. John Robert Geoffrey Keyston, (1938 - 2020) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. - Albert Einstein

81 years old
Born on December 30, 1938 in Hayes, Sussex, United Kingdom
Passed away on December 1, 2020 in Canada

This memorial website was created in loving memory of our father, Dr. John Robert Geoffrey Keyston who passed away peacefully on Dec 1, 2020, in Halifax NS.

John was born in Hayes, Middlesex, England, in 1938, the second of two children of Dr. John Edgar Keyston and Phyllis Irene Keyston (née Catlow). He had a rich childhood, moving with his family from England to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and finally Nova Scotia in 1950, which set in motion his future academic achievements. He enrolled at Dalhousie University at the young age of 14, graduated with a M.Sc. in 1958 and was awarded with First Class Honours, the Governor-General’s Gold Medal and a Rhodes Scholarship to continue his doctorate in Experimental Physics at Magdalen College, Oxford University. Not only did he excel in his studies, he was also very involved in campus life.

Eager for new challenges and armed with his PhD, John spent 5 years as a researcher and lecturer at the Université de Grenoble (France), where he developed a love for the French Alps and met his future wife, Jacqueline. A compelling offer with the National Research Council brought him back to Canada (Ottawa), and later he joined the Association of the Atlantic Universities (Halifax). He retired as Director of Research and Academic Planning for the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (Fredericton) to pursue his many other interests and moved back to Halifax in 1997.

John was a keen skier, windsurfer, sailor, kayaker, gardener, and a music, photography and technology enthusiast. In Halifax he was an active member of the francophone choir, Les Voix d’Acadie, and Club Ski 30/50 and marvelled at the busy harbour-front and the natural beauty of Nova Scotia. He will be remembered fondly by friends and family as the voice of logic and reason and for his intellectual capacity, his handiwork, his dry wit, his genuine empathy and his willingness to lend a helping hand at the drop of hat.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Christopher Overing) and Melanie (Filippo Runcini) and grandchildren, Mila and Juno Runcini. He is predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline (2018) and sister, Judith (2017).

We love you and will miss you Dad for all the lessons you taught us and the love that you gave us.

Tributes

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December 31, 2021

Chères Mélanie et Rebecca,
Votre Papa aurait fêté ses 83 ans. Ce n'est qu'à son anniversaire hier que nous apprenons avec beaucoup de tristesse son décès il y a un an déjà.
John était un de nos meilleurs amis depuis son séjour à Grenoble à partir de 1963. Pendant 5 ans nous étions collègues au Centre de Recherches sur les Très Basses Températures. Il brillait par son sens de l'analyse et de la logique.
L'été 1963 nous étions partis en voilier vers la Corse, sa sœur Judith était avec nous. A Calvi nous avons fait la connaissance de Nicole Huin, la sœur de Jacqueline. De retour à Grenoble nous avons présenté Jacqueline à votre Papa.
En 1966 John était mon témoin de mariage à Chamonix où j'ai épousé France. 30 ans plus tard notre fils Cyril, filleul de Jacqueline, a passé deux ans à Fredericton pour ses études d'IT.
Nous partageons votre grande peine et nous vous exprimons notre profonde sympathie.
Klaus et France
Gobrecht à Carqueiranne, France

December 30, 2021

Happy birthday Dad, Thanks for being the best! Miss you, love you ❤️

January 4, 2021

Rebecca and Melanie,

I can recall my high school years going to your house and your Dad excitingly telling me about fractals. I think he was as excited about their formation as much as the beautiful patterns. I always loved his academic tendencies, balanced with humour and intellect. He'll be missed. My condolences to you and your family.

December 17, 2020

Peter Bennett, Toronto
I was saddened to read of John's death. I have not been in contact with Jhim since 1958.
John and I were at Dalhousie together-John being incredibly brillant in Physics while I labored away getting a Commerce degree. There was a small group of us- Freddie Dobson, Bob March, and Ian MacKenzie who joined the UNTD, did a lot of sailing in the Arm and up and down the Harbour, knew lots of charming young ladies, sang a lot and were Pete Seeger fans.
]ohn raced with my Dad, Frank Bennett, and I on our sloop Windigo a few times and we won a couple of trophies.
We both graduated in 1958 and I Joined External Affairs in Ottawa and John was at home in Ottawa prior to heading for Oxford that fall. We joined the Royal Canadian Navy Sailing Association and raced navy dinghies on Dows Lake. With John as my crew, we won almost everything in sight.
John and his family were most hospitable and I enjoyed a number of meals with them
I lost touch with John as I have been in Toronto since 1965 but thought, of him over the years, knowing he was doing great things and bringing much pleasure and happiness to his family and friends.
In the bright glow of our youth. I always considered John a treasure who made friendship golden.
My condolences to you all but I know that as times pass you will look back with a smile on your face and say: Do you remember when......."
Warmest Regards,
Peter

December 15, 2020

I was shocked and saddened to hear that your Dad had passed away recently.
I had been caring for your Dad’s oral health for the past 15y (Dental Hygienist). I knew he was an avid skier and kayaker, but never realized fully just how accomplished he was! He was a very humble man who made me chuckle with his dry wit. I will treasure the framed picture that he took of “dental products” and gave to me last summer. It remains on my wall in my operatory.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt tribute of your father. He will be missed.
With caring thoughts to you all.

December 13, 2020

I met John 11 years ago. Since then, we became good friends through going on skiing and kayaking trips together and sharing many meals. John was always very helpful, full of wisdom and very modest. He never mentioned his great accomplishments in earlier years. He was a fine gentleman. I will miss him.

December 13, 2020

Melanie and Rebecca
SO sorry to read of John's recent death. Knew him a bit while he was at MPHEC and I was Policy Advisor at the Nova Scotia Council on Higher Education. Best recall is of great conversations at breaks during the day - not even a bit touching on topic/s we were there discussing - at several very long meetings on perhaps shared planning for our region's universities.
My condolences on your loss.

December 13, 2020

The late John Robert Keyston and his earlier deceased wife Jacqueline were demanding but loving and caring parents to their two accomplished daughters, Rebecca as medical doctor and scientist, and Melanie as a computer scientist and business executive.

We share their sorrow and pain of loosing the father they adored as much as their mother, and express to them our deepest sympathy and support in time their mourning, as old friends.

Lida and Miroslav
Macalik

December 11, 2020

I first met John in 2004 when I joined Les Voix d'Acadie. He was a kind and generous person who made me feel welcome, my lack of musical knowledge and French, notwithstanding. Some of my fondest memories of John were made in his office/music room where we would do our best to reach the elusive goal of perfection, sharing jokes and swapping stories. I will miss seeing him in the audience where we found him after he left the choir. So sad for your loss.

December 11, 2020

Chères Mélanie et Rebecca,
C’est avec empathie et amitiés que nous prenons part à votre chagrin. Nous avons beaucoup côtoyé John durant les années où il a été membre de l’ensemble vocal Les Voix d’Acadie et c’est certain qu’on ne l’oubliera pas. Il a contribué à la chorale de diverses façons et ses nombreux talents mis au service du groupe ont été très appréciés.
Nos chaleureuses pensées vous accompagnent dans cette douloureuse épreuve.
Marie-France Breton et Claude Renaud

December 11, 2020

Dear Rebecca and Melanie:

I was saddened to read of the death of your father and, through that, the death of your mother in 2018. I have very fond memories of your family from the days at Sir Charles Tupper School - you were a very special family! You have offered a very loving tribute of your father and, for sure, his wonderful qualities will live on in you and your children. Please accept my condolences at this sad time - for sure you will have many wonderful memories as a comfort.

Cynthia Pilichos

December 9, 2020

What an accomplished man John was. He was such a nice man as well as always being so friendly and helpful. He'll be missed. Our sincere condolences to all of the family.

December 9, 2020

What an accomplished man John was. He was such a nice man as well as always being very friendly and helpful. He'll be missed. Our sincere condolences to all his family.