Norville Jacob Keefer
Norville Evard Jacob Keefer, 85, of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, passed away peacefully at Whitehorse General Hospital on October 6, 2025.
Born in Sonningdale, Saskatchewan on July 11, 1940, to Leo and Octavia Keefer, Norville was the second of two children. He married Elizabeth “Betty Lu” Hout, and together they raised one son, Bevon.
Norville spent much of his life working with his hands and building his own path. He was both a farmer and a welder, farming in Sonningdale, Saskatchewan, and Rossburn, Manitoba. He operated his own welding truck in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories in the early 70s and often told stories about that time. His career as a welder also took him to the Kootenay region of British Columbia and North Battleford, Saskatchewan. A true entrepreneur, he pursued various ventures over the years, including custom silaging and hay hauling but his heart was always in raising livestock.
After a lifetime of hard work and adventure, Norville retired to Whitehorse to be closer to his beloved grandchildren, whom he adored. He was an avid hunter and a lifelong lover of horses, passions that reflected his connection to the land and the life he cherished.
Norville is survived by his son, Bevon (Tracey) Keefer, and his two grandchildren, MacKenzie Keefer and Harlan Keefer. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty Lu), his parents, Leo and Octavia Keefer, and his sister, Maureen Chastney.
Julie Cook
A quiet and gentle soul. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him. He was very kind and thoughtful. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sarah Wood
We remember Orville, Betty Lu and Bevon from their time in the Battlefords and in particular with the Battlefords Quarter Horse club. Rob and I were sad to read off Orville’s passing in Battlefordsnow. He was a fine gentleman and we are sure he will be missed. Dr. Robert and Sarah Wood. (Sharon, Alison and Rosemary).