Obituary of Robert Bryan Keenan

May 19, 1936 - Montreal, Quebec

June 15, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

“I don’t have a soul. I have a body. I AM a soul.” - C.S. Lewis.

Robert Keenan, beloved husband of Jacqueline Keenan (nee Illaszewicz) of Cochrane, AB, passed away peacefully at 3:33 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the age of 87 years.

He was born the oldest of seven children in Montreal, QC, on May 19, 1936. Having grown up in Montreal, QC, he graduated from McGill University’s Macdonald Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He received a Certificate of Paint Technology in 1964, earning First Prize, and later completed courses in Animal Nutrition through Guelph University.

Robbie met the love of his life in 1963, and married Jacquie in 1966. They enjoyed their honeymoon in BC, moved to the west with their first two children in 1969, and completed their family there with six more children. BC, and AB, became their home for the next 55 years.

Known to his friends as Bob, he was described as an interesting, inquisitive, smart, and funny gentleman, who loved to tell stories. He could command a room and made friends with strangers anywhere he went. When at home, his radio and newspapers were always within reach.

He accomplished much throughout his life. His career included sales of oilfield, specialty, and agricultural chemicals for Shell Chemical, Cyanamid, and Harrison Crossfield, ending his career with BASF. These positions provided him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Canada, which he enjoyed immensely.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 35 years. In addition to his devoted Catholic faith, he was passionate about music, food, singing, whistling, grasslands conservation, and the prairies. To nurture his passions, he became a member of B.C. Grasslands, and the Society of Range Management. He was a choir member in the various parishes he belonged to and joined the First Capital Barbershop Chorus, being named Barbershopper of the Month in February 2008. Upon his retirement, Bob completed the Master Beekeeping course at Simon Fraser University, which quickly became Jacquie’s hobby for the past twenty-two years and counting! After he moved to Cochrane, AB, in 2011, he was Alberta Director for the Western Apiculture Society for two years and joined the Calgary and District Beekeeper’s Association, and the Stockmen’s Foundation.

Besides his loving wife Jacquie, Robbie is survived by his eight children Eileen Young (Rodger), David Keenan (Andrea), Janice Giroux (Michael), Daniel Keenan (Crystal), Christopher Keenan (Carmel), Kevin Keenan (Alison), Andrew Keenan (Katrina), James Keenan (Chelsea); He is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren, Sarah, Anthony, Devin, Christian, Sophie, Emilie, Evan, Chase, Madeleine, Mackenzie, Brooklyn, Nicholas, Channing, Locklin, Kaitlyn, Isabelle, Charlotte, Julia, Joshua, Jessa, Hanna, Bennett, and Marcus; his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his cherished dog Kimo.

His commitment to family led him to enjoy frequent conversations with his seven siblings, Donald Keenan (Carmel), Barbara McDougall (Wendell), Marian Squires, Brian Keenan, Teresa Raymond (Alex), Adrian Keenan (Christine); In his final days, Robbie felt blessed to be able to express his love to each of his siblings, and to tell them “I’m checking out”.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Frederick and Celia, niece, and goddaughter Anne-Marie (Mimi) Raymond, brother-in-law John Squires, and sister-in-law Angèle Désy Keenan. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a prayer vigil held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (East of the James Walker Trail and Highway 22 intersection, Cochrane, Alberta), on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (East of the James Walker Trail and Highway 22 intersection, Cochrane, Alberta) on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

“The best way to end a meal is with dessert… and a prayer.”

In living memory of Robert Bryan Keenan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.