Bernard Keenan
Bernard John Keenan passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Bernie, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Leek, Staffordshire, England to Joseph Keenan and Vera May Swann on September 25, 1939. He grew up in the English midlands and moved to Quebec City with his family when he was 14. While in Quebec City, he joined the cadets in the reserves of the Royal Rifles of Canada and ended his service as Sergeant. On a recommendation from a friend, Bernie went to St. Joseph Teachers’ College in Montreal, where he found his calling and began his long and happy career as a teacher. Bernie taught at St. Isaac Jogues School in Ville-Emard for two years before moving to James Lyng High School in St. Henri, where he taught for 32 years until his retirement.
Bernie enjoyed almost 50 years of married life to Maria Teresa (Tomczuk) Keenan. Together they created a loving and fulfilling life and close-knit family. Bernie leaves to mourn his beloved wife Maria Teresa; two children: Stacie Keenan (Dominic Longo) and Christopher Keenan (Molly Cronin); four grandchildren: Liam Keenan, Roman Longo, Alfred Keenan and Harriet Keenan; sister-in-law Krystyna Tomczuk, brother-in-law Alex Tomczuk, and two very special caregivers who became part of Bernie’s extended family over the past few years, Russell and Mary.
Bernie will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family and friends, his passion as a teacher and a coach, and his dry sense of humour. All those who had the pleasure to know him will remember him as a warm and kind individual who was generous with his spirit, time and attention. Bernie’s love of soccer followed him from England and he spent most of his life playing, coaching or refereeing soccer. He loved to read, watch classic and horror movies, do crossword puzzles and cheer on Manchester United. He also liked bowling, dancing, eating dessert, listening to Frank Sinatra, and travelling with his family, especially to Lake George, NY. He leaves his family, friends, students, players, and acquaintances with special and happy memories. He will be dearly missed by everyone he touched and will never be forgotten.
Family will receive condolences at Urgel Bourgie funeral home, 1275 Dollard, Lasalle, on Friday March 10, from 2pm to 5pm and from 7pm to 9pm.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 11am, at the same location.You can view de ceremony live and in replay on our website https://www.urgelbourgie.com/en/funeral-announcements/70083-bernard-keenan
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or a preferred charity.
Bernie, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Leek, Staffordshire, England to Joseph Keenan and Vera May Swann on September 25, 1939. He grew up in the English midlands and moved to Quebec City with his family when he was 14. While in Quebec City, he joined the cadets in the reserves of the Royal Rifles of Canada and ended his service as Sergeant. On a recommendation from a friend, Bernie went to St. Joseph Teachers’ College in Montreal, where he found his calling and began his long and happy career as a teacher. Bernie taught at St. Isaac Jogues School in Ville-Emard for two years before moving to James Lyng High School in St. Henri, where he taught for 32 years until his retirement.
Bernie enjoyed almost 50 years of married life to Maria Teresa (Tomczuk) Keenan. Together they created a loving and fulfilling life and close-knit family. Bernie leaves to mourn his beloved wife Maria Teresa; two children: Stacie Keenan (Dominic Longo) and Christopher Keenan (Molly Cronin); four grandchildren: Liam Keenan, Roman Longo, Alfred Keenan and Harriet Keenan; sister-in-law Krystyna Tomczuk, brother-in-law Alex Tomczuk, and two very special caregivers who became part of Bernie’s extended family over the past few years, Russell and Mary.
Bernie will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family and friends, his passion as a teacher and a coach, and his dry sense of humour. All those who had the pleasure to know him will remember him as a warm and kind individual who was generous with his spirit, time and attention. Bernie’s love of soccer followed him from England and he spent most of his life playing, coaching or refereeing soccer. He loved to read, watch classic and horror movies, do crossword puzzles and cheer on Manchester United. He also liked bowling, dancing, eating dessert, listening to Frank Sinatra, and travelling with his family, especially to Lake George, NY. He leaves his family, friends, students, players, and acquaintances with special and happy memories. He will be dearly missed by everyone he touched and will never be forgotten.
Family will receive condolences at Urgel Bourgie funeral home, 1275 Dollard, Lasalle, on Friday March 10, from 2pm to 5pm and from 7pm to 9pm.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 11am, at the same location.You can view de ceremony live and in replay on our website https://www.urgelbourgie.com/en/funeral-announcements/70083-bernard-keenan
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or a preferred charity.