Obituary of Vernon Gary Keirstead

It is with great sadness that the family of Vernon Gary Keirstead announce his passing which occurred on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Born in Hampton, NB on November 1, 1940, he was the son of the late Harold and Mabel (Anthony) Keirstead.

Vernon is survived by his brother Winston “Win” Keirstead (Marilyn) of Fredericton, NB; sisters-in-law: Gladys Keirstead and Norma Keirstead; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Vernon was predeceased by his brothers: Fenton, Robert “Bobby” and Jack Keirstead and his wife Marie; and sister Marilyn Law and her husband Stan.

Vernon led quite a life. Even people who didn’t know him personally would remember him as the man “thumbing” on the highway. He could be seen each day with his thumb out catching a ride to Saint John where he would spend the day on his favourite stool with his friends at Tops. For a man who didn’t drive, he could get to town faster than anyone who had a car. And somehow, he knew if you drove past him and didn’t stop. Some days he was later getting into town: Sunday mornings were spent singing in the choir at Hampton United Church. Tuesday he would stay to have a cup of tea and a sweet with the quilters before heading in and he love attending the monthly breakfast meetings of the Christian Men with Tools.

Vernon had an amazing memory. He could remember names, dates, events or what you ordered to eat the last time you had lunch together. He could provide more accurate results than Google and sometimes even faster.

Hampton was Vernon’s home. He had many friends in the community, and he had nicknames for many of them. Grey Hair, Wrinkles, Roadkill, Snowball, Grumpy and Old Lady, if he had a nickname for you, you meant something to Nernie.

Vernon worked as a gas jockey at the Irving Product Bar by the green bridge back in the day. Later he could be seen around town especially at Hampton Pharmasave or at the church, washing windows, shovelling snow, or mowing lawns. He loved his time spent with the guys at Snow’s Hardware.

The family would love to send a special thankyou to the many people who loved our Vernon. Especially Glory Girl and the wonderful staff at Dr. V.A. Snow Centre. A place that meant a lot to Vernon as he was named after the Dr. who delivered him into this world. The care they provided Vernon will never be forgotten.

Live life each day and remember friends; “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 1-2PM with a celebration of life following at 2:00PM all from Hampton United Church, 24 Robb Court, Hampton, NB. Interment will take place in the spring at Hampton Rural Cemetery, Hampton, NB.

Donations in memory of Vernon may be made to the Hampton United Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com