Obituary of Raymond Keelan

KEELAN –RAYMOND JOHN KEELAN, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, looking at the lake he loved so much. A great guy, he was the beloved husband of the late Virginnia Keelan for over 64 years. Loved father of Brian Keelan and his partner Sylvia Foreman, Faith Capern and her husband George, Joyce Keelan and her partner Reid Campbell and Hope Parker and her husband Philip. He will also be lovingly remembered by daughters-in-law Robyn and Sue Keelan. Proud grandfather of Ned, Kate, Jaime, Sarah, Rory, James, Edward, Matthew, Kaitlin, Trish and Eric and great grandfather of Mitchell, Lauren and Max. Predeceased by sons Eric and Mark Keelan his parents William (Chum) and Helen (Nana) Keelan, and his brothers Bill and Jack Keelan and his sister Margaret Furlong. A prominent member of the Sarnia business community and past president of the Sarnia Chamber of Commerce, Ray was well known for his tenacious spirit, strong leadership, and his commitment to the community. An active member of Sacred Heart Parish he provided generous support not only to his parish but also to Habitat for Humanity, Covenant House, Huron House Boys Home and St. Joseph’s Hospital of Sarnia. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1942 with an honours business degree, he completed four years in the Royal Canadian Navy (1942-1946) finishing his naval career as the Captain of a Corvette. Vowing never to set foot on a boat again, Ray traded in the North Atlantic for Lake Huron and the North Channel proceeding to become one of the most adventuresome and passionate sailor/cruisers on Lake Huron. Ray will be remembered for his sharp wit, zest for life, and love of a good joke. Not to forget his Love of Opera – at FULL VOLUME. He was definitely an unforgettable character! Friends will be received at the McKenzie Blundy Funeral Home at 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Sunday March 9th, from 2-4 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church by Fr. Len Desjardins on Monday, March 10th. at 11 :00 am. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Bluewater Health Foundation at 89 Norman Street, Sarnia, ON, N7T 6S3. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Raymond Keelan in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 21st, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.