Fred and Rosie Keating - TriCities and Ridge Meadows Honouree

2025 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's, presented by Go Auto

“I’ve got dementia and I don’t care who knows it,” Fred Keating says.

The Maple Ridge resident is passionate about sharing his experience living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Fred is a prolific actor with long-running roles in shows like Jake and the Kid, Da Vinci’s Inquest and Da Vinci’s City Hall, as well as appearing in other well-known productions like Supernatural, The X-Files, Final Destination, Air Bud and quite a number of Hallmark movies. Acting requires a sharp memory, so when he started to struggle, his family knew something was wrong. His wife, Rosie, recognized some of Fred’s behaviour as similar to his mother’s, who had lived with dementia for many years.

Rosie reached out to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® Dementia Helpline and connected with staff who were able to share information and resources to help the Keatings prepare for doctors’ appointments. Rosie advocated for Fred to get testing and in 2022 he was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that affects memory, language and judgement and can increase risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Fred was initially startled.

“My first reaction was, what now? This wasn’t how I was expecting to spend the next chapter of my life,” Fred says. “But I accepted it better than I thought. My mother lived with dementia for 17 years, so my sisters and I learned a lot, not only about life but about how to die.”

Eager to learn more about the disease, Fred and Rosie began watching dementia education webinars and panel discussions. Seeing other people on the dementia journey laughing and joking together gave Fred a whole new perspective.

“When I saw their camaraderie and the self-deprecating humour, I thought, ‘I could do that!’,” Fred says.

“He realized that life isn't over,” Rosie says.

Fred and Rosie also joined “Shaping the Journey,” a six-part dementia education series for people who have recently been diagnosed. The opportunity to discuss the disease and topics like anger, grief and guilt, was monumental. Inspired, Fred joined the Society’s Lived-Experience Partner Program. Most recently, he shared his story across the province as a spokesperson for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and moderated a panel discussion that explored different people’s experiences with dementia.

Fred has plenty of experience in the spotlight. In addition to his acting roles, he also made a name for himself hosting conferences and events for corporate, government and non-profit organizations. Fred kindly volunteered his emcee services to the Society, collaborating with them on a presentation about MCI. Ever the comedian, the presentation was titled “Making Lemonade”.

“As in, ‘when life gives you lemons...’” Fred says. “I’ve still got a couple tools in my kit.”

“He’s still able to do the things he loves,” Rosie adds. “We feel lucky. I think many people have a journey that is very different than ours.”

Fred and Rosie find joy spending time in their beautiful home that overlooks Golden Ears Park, where they raised their two children, Katie and Jack. Thankful for the support they have received, the Keatings are keen to continue partnering with the Society, at this year’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, presented by Go Auto, and beyond.

“It’s because of the literature, the education and the personal support that the Society has given us that I’ve wanted to partner with them on a number of commitments,” Fred says. “Everything has been excellent.”

Join Fred and Rosie on Sunday, May 25 for the TriCities and Ridge Meadows IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's.