The passing of John Keirstead occurred April 13th, 2020 at the Kiwanis Nursing Home, Sussex, after a period of failing health. He was born in his parent’s home on the Back Road, Summerfield, Millstream on February 29th, 1936, the youngest child of the late Mabel Moore and John (Jack) Keirstead. John attended the Summerfield School. He began his working career at age 17 as a farm hand in Belleisle Creek. From there he worked cutting rights-of-way for the Power Commission. He then worked for a contractor out of Saint John through to the mid 1960’s primarily setting power poles throughout remote areas of southern New Brunswick which were still waiting to get connected to the grid. After a winter of working in the woods, and a couple of years at the Royal Forest Products Mill at Hynes Corner, he began working for the Department of Transportation. On October 15th, 1960 John married Helen Foster of Belleisle Creek and in May 1962 they purchased a small "hobby" farm on the Belleisle Road, Norton. This was to remain their home until Helen’s passing and John’s move to the Kiwanis Nursing Home in 2017. John took early retirement in 1992 from his Bridge Supervisor position with the DOT Sussex after 21 years of service. This allowed him to give full attention to his "hobby". John enjoyed gardening and caring for his animals. Coming from a family that had struggled through the "Dirty 30’s" he knew how to work hard and be self-sufficient. His "hobby" provided his family with fresh vegetables, meat, milk, eggs and home-made butter. John is survived by his sons Richard, Midland; Reginald, Penobsquis; and John, Sussex; grand-daughters Kristina (Ben Stewart), French Village; Andrea, Saint John; Stacy (Scott Lamont), Edmonton AB; and Lauren, Baddeck NS; grandsons Garrett (Taylor), Southfield; and Ben, Sussex; great-grandson Parker and sister-in-laws Nettie Keirstead, Lower Millstream and Marilyn Foster, Sussex Corner; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by brothers Donald (Florence) in 1976, James in 1983, George in1926 and Ralph (Dorian) in 2012; sister Doris in 1995; brother–in-laws Albert, Maurice and Otis (Marie) Foster; and daughter-in-law Margaret. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB In keeping with the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no visitation or service. A private burial will take place in the Riverbank Cemetery at a later date. His family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to the administration, nurses and staff of the Kiwanis Nursing Home for the wonderful care and compassion that John received while a resident there. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family has suggested the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, the Canadian Cancer Society, Kiwanis Nursing Home or donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com