A wooden cross marks the area where Keith Herzog was killed in April, 2022. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Tragic events

Two years after fatal crash, Prince Albert family still searching for clues and closure

Apr 1, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Janine Herzog says the pain she feels today is just as strong as it was the day she learned her father had been killed.

This Thursday, April 4, will mark the two year anniversary of Keith Herzog’s death.

While on his way to work at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, and near the junction of highway 263 and Okema Beach Road, the 64-year-old was involved in a crash with a pick up truck and died at the scene.

The occupant, or occupants, of the second vehicle, a white 2001 GMC Sierra, left on foot before police arrived. Investigators determined the truck was reported stolen from Leask the day prior. To this day those unknown people have failed to come forward.

“As far as closure with it my dad would want us to move forward in a positive direction so that’s what we are trying to do,” Janine said.

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TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED QUICKLY BY AND WE STILL HOLD BACK THE TEARS WE CRY ALTHOUGH WE WILL NEVER AGAIN FEEL YOUR EMBRACE WE HOLD ON TO THE IMAGE OF YOUR SMILING FACE A GOOD JOKE, A DANCE, A TUNE RESURRECTS A HAPPY MEMORY OF YOU SO, AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT YOU BY OUR SIDE WE KNOW YOU ARE ON A DIFFERENT RIDE SO, UNTIL OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN REMEMBER WE LOVE YOUR FOREVER AMEN WE ONLY ASK NEXT TIME, LEAVE MORE THAN THAT DARN DIME ( love you forever Keith ~your sister Shirley Arnason)

According to a statement provided by the RCMP, the investigation into the collision continues.

“As it’s an active and ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional details at this time,” the RCMP indicated..

Anyone with information about this collision is encouraged to call the Prince Albert RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers. While noting the closure of having the people responsible come forward, Janine also tries to look at the case through her father’s eyes.

“And if not I guess I hope that this is what they needed to happen to turn their lives around because that’s something my dad would have said.”

Keith Herzog was nearing retirement and planned to follow his passin for carpentry. (Submitted photo)

As part of his job at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, Herzog had worked closely with the inmates and family members have previously disclosed how he saw the good in everyone and worked to help people to turn their lives around.

One of Herzog’s proudest accomplishments at Saskatchewan Penitentiary was teaching a trades related course for skid steers, and dozens of inmates went through it. In January, 2023, for his 18 years service in corrections, Keith Herzog was awarded a Queen’s Jubilee medal. Janine described this as an honour, adding he deserved it and is part of the legacy he left behind.

However Janine also noted her father was the rock that grounded her family and even two years after his death, they are still trying to pick up the pieces.

“I feel this has been one of the hardest struggles I’ve ever been faced with and adjusting to life without my Dad is still a daily journey that will last a lifetime,” she said.

In addition to Keith’s work ethic and big heart, those who knew him will never forget his infamous jerky, unmatched spoon playing , and infectious positivity.

“No matter where he was or who was around him he was always willing to help and give everyone a chance.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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