Joseph Edmund MCKEOWN

McKEOWN, Joseph Edmund of 23 Cameron St., Kingston, passed away on December 15, 2008 at the Kingston General Hospital after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 84. Mr. McKeown was born and educated in Erinsville, Ont., a son of the late James and Margaret McKeown (Garrett). Mr. McKeown started his working career as a carpenter in the ship yards. Later, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he served from 1942 to 1945 in Kingston, Cornwallis, and Halifax. After working on lake freighters Mr. McKeown obtained his Engineering Certification for steam-driven ships in 1949. He married Thelma Hartman on April 28, 1949 and they settled in Kingston. Over the following years Mr. McKeown bought an automotive garage and became a car dealer. Eventually, he acquired the dealership rights for Datsun cars and McKeown Motors on 670 Bath Rd. in Kingston became a thriving, well known, and respected business in the Kingston Community during the 1960's and 1970's. A kind-hearted and friendly person who took great pleasure in meeting and helping people, Mr. McKeown was involved in a variety of volunteer and fund-raising activities during his retirement years. He was a member of both the Royal Canadian Legion and Lions Club of Kingston. He was a member of St. John the Apostle Church for 53 years. His special interests included travelling, country music, and dancing. In his younger days he received several trophies through his involvement in darts and later enjoyed playing cards at the various legions and clubs throughout the Kingston area. He enjoyed cottage life in the summer and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter Brenda and her husband Doug Werden; grandson Dustyn, all of Kingston. He was predeceased by his wife Thelma, his parents, brothers William, Edward, and Francis, and sister Margaret (Finn). Friar Dan Quackenbush celebrated the funeral mass on December 18 at St. John the Apostle Church. Father Liam Tallon assisted. The pallbearers were Warren Davis, Kevin Hoeg, Jack and Lawrence McKeown, Doug and Dustyn Werden. Mr. McKeown received ceremonial honours from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 and the Lions Club of Kingston. Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery. 11385859