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.