KEENAN, John Edward - John Edward Keenan (May 1, 1932), died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 29, 2021. It was a gentle passing preceded by an incredible life.
John leaves behind Elizabeth (Elsie), his devoted wife of over 60 years, his son David (w/ wife Liz) and daughter, Jennifer, and six grandchildren, who were his greatest pleasure: Kathryn, Grace, John, Matthew, Cameron and Daniel.
John was a first generation Canadian and born in Regina, Saskatchewan, to an Irish mother (Elizabeth Johnstone) and a Ukrainian father (George Keenan: nee Zelensky) and had three siblings: George, Kay (Cardarelli), and Donald. As for many, the depression years were hard on the family, but he fondly retold stories of his youth and his love for family has inspired generations to come.
At the young age of 18, John left the Prairies to join the Royal Canadian Navy, where he served as the ship’s writer, and was later joined by his younger brother, Donald. There were many stories told by the two brothers of their antics on the high seas. After serving for 5 years, he eventually moved to Calgary, where he met his wife, Elizabeth. John was a true gentleman, a people person, and a community builder.
He joined Canadian Airlines International in the early days of the airline industry and was a part of the golden age of air travel. His career spanned more than 35 years with the many successor airlines that followed.
John was well-known in the Calgary community for organizing great travel related events, including Hawaiian Days at the Chinook Shopping Centre, where hula dancers and flame throwers would be flown in to brighten up a cold Calgary winter. He, together with Elizabeth, were well-known for throwing great parties at their home on Maple Court Crescent, that sometimes included Mariachi bands. A Keenan tradition was to arrange for fresh pineapples from Hawaii to be flown in and hand delivered to the neighbors every Christmas. It was a wonderful neighborhood full of kids running around and parents gathering around the backyard pool that John had installed with the help of friends. John often commented on how, after his own Depression-era childhood, he wanted to build great memories for his children. That he did.
In 1981, John accepted a promotion with Canadian Airlines and he and Elizabeth moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. There they quickly integrated themselves in the Lethbridge community, with John serving as director of Rotary Club International and on the Board of Directors, and the President’s Advisory Board, of Lethbridge Community College. John and Elizabeth made many wonderful friends in Lethbridge and John would frequently lead trips to exotic places around the world for members of the Lethbridge community.
In 2006, John and Elizabeth decided it was time for a change and moved to Toronto to be closer to their daughter, Jennifer in Toronto and son, David in the United States. It was a bold move for a couple of Prairie people but they embraced all the city had to offer, often hopping on the streetcar to explore the various ethnic festivals the city is famous for. In following his Rotary roots, John joined Probus Club International and eventually served as president. He also co-founded a men’s coffee group, “Men of the Essence," (Essence being name of their condo building), and created a wonderful circle of friends, who loved to meet and discuss the burning issues of the day.
In his later years, John chose not to travel afar but loved getting out of the city to spend time at Jennifer’s home (the “River Property”) in the Beaver Valley, north of Toronto. He was happiest when surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren at the river. A celebration of life service will be held there in the summer when family and friends can gather.
John Keenan will be missed by many and his memory will live on through his family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. www.mghf.ca. Arrangements entrusted with Ridley funeral home.
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