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Allan Howard Keene
April 5, 1927 - October 12, 2011
Tribute
Allan “Howard” Keene, of Oliver, BC and long-time resident of Sunnybank Center passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 12th at the age of 84 years.
Howard was born April 5th, 1927 in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan to parents Leslie and Lilian Keene. He was the youngest of four children: Stan (Edith), Emma Whitmarsh (Milton), and Dick (June). Howard started working for CP Rail at age 17 as an agent’s assistant. He studied Morse Code and soon became a telegrapher. In 1947 he met and then married Dorothy May Keene, “Dot” of Binscarth, Manitoba. Dot and Howard were on the road, transferring frequently as Howard was then promoted to station agent. They made friends everywhere they went, enjoying golfing, curling and many service club activities. They spent time in Manitoba including Neepawa, East Selkirk, Elm Creek, Binscarth and Deloraine. They also made their home in Dubuc, and Maryfield, Saskatchewan. Howard was a member of many Lions and Kinsmen clubs in these communities, and was an active member of the United Church wherever the family settled. Howard and Dot’s longest stay was in Deloraine, Manitoba, where he was promoted to mobile supervisor for the CPR and the family built their first home after 22 years living in railroad stations. Howard retired after 40+ years of service in 1985, and refurbished their holiday cabin at Lake Metigoshe into a comfortable home, where they moved in permanently. In their retirement, Howard and Dot enjoyed travelling, especially many years of camping all across Canada and the western states. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona for several years and loved life as ‘snowbirds’. They decided to stay in Canada and followed Lori and family to Oliver in 1992, where they resided in Country Pines trailer park and Greenleaves Village.Howard is survived by his devoted spouse, Dot, sons Les (Nola) of Ottawa, ON, and Bob (Darilyn) of Royston, BC, and daughter Lori Martine(Bernie) of Oliver, and 9 grandchildren, Jennifer and Lara, Jade, Cole and Chelsea, and Thierry, Gabriella, Juliana and Cheryce, his sister Emma, of Churchbridge, SK, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children, and of course his recent canine companion “Zoe”. He was predeceased by his parents Leslie and Lilian, his brothers Stan (Edith), of Bredenbury, SK and Dick (June), of Cloverdale, BC, and his loyal dog, Tucker. Howard’s Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, October 15th, at 2:00 p.m., at the Oliver United Church. A reception in the lower hall will follow. Donations in lieu of flowers can be forwarded to Sunnybank Center in Oliver. Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com . Arrangements provided by Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Services of Oliver.
Dot, Lori and the family wish to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Sunnybank Center for their loving support and gentle care of Howard throughout his stay and especially in last days. Your kind gestures, humorous stories and friendship will not be forgotten. Thanks also to Dr. Shaw, Dr. Johnston and the staff at Main Street Medical, and John, Daryn and staff at Nunes-Pottinger.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Jim MacNaughton
Relation: longtime friend of the family
Dear Dot and Lori, please accept our love and prayers on this day as all of you gather together to celebrate Howards life- what interesting visits I had with him in Sunnybank while I was in ministry there and what great times I had with you Dot and Lori as we mixed music and worship together- I live in Saskatchewan now and all through the fall harvest, the grain trains have been rolling steadily to the West and Vancouver, carrying precious prairie gran- it is a fitting tribute to Howard that in Eston, where we live, 2 private shortline railroad companies have started up and deliver their cars to the mainline for CN- we have trains who appear out of the rising sun and roll through areas that used to be abandoned- the railway lives on! Blessings to all your family… lots of love from Jim and Barb MacNaughton
From: Florence Merryweather
Relation: friend
so sorry Dot to hear of your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. sorry I cannot be at the funeral but am really sick with the flu
From: betty-Jo and Steve hetherington
Relation: friend
Dear Dot and lori, our sincere condolences and prayers for you during this time of loss. Just know that people love you and are praying for you in the days ahead. Our love and prayers for all the family. Steve and Betty-Jo Hetherington (Cherry Grove)
From: Mavis Grant
Relation: Former neighbour
Thinking of you Dot, Laurie and family. I was away and just found out that Howard had passed away.
Mavis
From: Darlene & Grant Lesy
Relation: friend
Hi Dot and family….. Sorry to hear of your loss of dear Howard…. I remember your family when you lived in Deloraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .Remember all the good times you had with Howard .and know that he is resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus and now is your guardian angel…
From: Mike and Teresa Dillabough & family
Relation: school mates and friends
Dot, Lori and family, we were sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. We hope that all of your wonderful memories will keep your spirits up through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
From: Kim Scott (nee Maxwell)
Relation: family friend
To Dot and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. I have many fond memories of him while growing up in Deloraine. He was a very kind and lovely man. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Kim
From: Rene & Sandra Cadieux
Relation: Friends from Binscarth Manitoba
Our Sincere Sympathy to you Dot and your family. Prayers and Good memories of your family. Love from Binscarth Manitoba
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
October 15, 2011
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Oliver United Church
9915 - 358th Avenue
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
Howard’s Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, October 15th, at 2:00 p.m., at the Oliver United Church. A reception in the lower hall will follow.
9915 - 358th Avenue
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Gifts may be sent directly to:
Sunnybank Centre,
R.R.#3, 36657 – 79th Street
Oliver, BC
V0H 1T0
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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Send Condolence - For Allan Keene
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