Obituary of Timothy (Tim) Michael James O'KEEFE

October 7, 1956 – Toronto, Ontario
May 4, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Timothy O'Keefe of Yellowknife, NWT passed away on Monday, May 4, at the Foothills Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 63 years.

Born on October 7, 1956 in Toronto, ON, Tim grew up in Scarborough, ON. 

Tim moved to Yellowknife in the early 1980s, following his brothers Harry and Kevin, seeking job opportunities and adventure. Tim spent much of his employed life as an essential worker—one of his longest held jobs was as a night stocker at Trevor’s Independent Grocer. We now recognize, more than ever, how important these essential workers are. Tim was a kind and gentle soul who always had the ability to make a joke and see humour in his situation. He was a master of impressions, one of his last being Elvis Presley. He was brave and stoic when faced with difficult physical and emotional challenges near the end of his life.

Tim had an indomitable fighting spirit, which served him well in a world that was never an easy place for him. He loved simple things: good movies, all things Sci-Fi, nachos, dogs, cats, butter tarts, plums, lasagne, iced tea, and good books (history and war). Tim is deeply loved and missed by all he left behind. We find peace knowing that he is now with his brothers and his mother, who have always watched over and guided him, and who will welcome him with open arms. We are comforted to know he is no longer suffering.

Tim is loved and deeply missed by his sister Kathleen Mansfield (Gary), sister-in-law Debbi Ross (Terry), nieces, Keelie Sorensen-O’Keefe (Robbie) and Brie O’Keefe (Martin); and his nephews, Kevin Mansfield (Brandy), John Mansfield (Monica), Todd Mansfield, Lukas Sorensen-O’Keefe and Harry O’Keefe IV (Johanna); and great-nephews, Joshua Mansfield and Theodore Warren. The youngest of four children, Tim is predeceased by his brothers, Harry O’Keefe III, and Kevin O’Keefe; his mother and her partner Kathleen O’Keefe and Dr. Jim Ferns; and his father Harry P M O’Keefe, Sr.

Due to Covid-19 we are unable to hold a service. We ask that you light a candle in his honour and hold your loved ones close. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Tim’s name directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, the Yellowknife SPCA, http://www.nwtspca.com/, or to the Canadian Mental Health Association, www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Tim’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The Family sends sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated medical professionals in Yellowknife, Edmonton and Calgary who have treated Tim with care and compassion during his long illness.

In living memory of Tim O’Keefe, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.