Obituary of Keiver Nelson Hunter

Keiver Nelson Hunter

Keiver passed away suddenly at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton on March 19, 2023; at the age of 85 years.  He leaves a legacy of love, in the hearts of his family; of humor, in the smiles of those with whom he shared his wealth of stories; and of kindness, in the memories of all that he coached, helped and befriended.

Keiver was born in Edmonton on July 19, 1937.  His life as a youngster started out in Styal, Alberta before the family settled in the Silver Heights area.  As a young man, his first loves were ranching, riding and cowboy”ing”.  He enjoyed playing sports and hunting, especially birds, with his brother Gordie.  He was a heavy equipment operator throughout his adulthood and his strong work ethic and skill made him a valued and appreciated worker.  Keiver met and married Elaine Schlosser November 22, 1969.  Together they made a life and home in Hughenden.  They were blessed with four children: Jody (Jason); Mark (Leslie); Aden (Chelsy); and Rocky (Monica).

His kids are proud of the hard working father that raised them.  They fondly recall family camping trips; their dad coaching their ball and hockey teams; the jokester that he was; and how he could and would talk with anyone – anywhere.  Keiver’s memories of his life, and varied work history always allowed him to choose a story that was relatable to the individual he was conversing with – he was just that personable.

He was a loving husband to his wife of 43 years. They enjoyed the fun and the bustle of raising the children and worked together to maintain and nurture their family.  At times his stories, antics or jokes would earn him a certain look from that loving wife and we all have used Elaine’s coined phrase – “oh Poppa!”.    

In Keiver’s later years he did not let retirement slow him down.  He stayed busy running errands for his kids, providing oversight at Rocky’s shop, keeping a watchful eye upon his communities, visiting with family and friends and most importantly “poppa-sitting” and watching his grandchildren as they participated in activities they loved.

Poppa’s warm smile, guiding hand and loving chuckle will forever be cherished and remembered by his 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren: Jordan (Blake); Taylor (Rick); Levi (Shae); Kendal (Corbin); Brandon; Savannah; Nathan; Kody; Sadie; Rhys; Hudson; Porter; Molly; Bennett; and Kaison.

Keiver was predeceased by his parents: Ira and Mildred Hunter; wife Elaine; parent in-laws: Peter and Edna Schlosser; siblings: Ken, Gordon, and Helen; and brother in-laws: Ron, Allan, Norman and Hugh.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others” (Ernest Hemingway). Keiver-Dad-Papa Smokey-Poppa:  you touched so many lives - know that you are loved, will be missed and shall always be remembered.

More information will be available. Please check back at a later date.