JOHN WILLIAM KEANE

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• Sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. I will always remember his laughter and wit back in the day. Our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Steve Brown and family (family friends) on: Mar 15, 2015

• My condolences and all the best to Billy, Mike, Jackie and your families. Jack coached me with Mike in soccer and hockey many years ago at Sir John Franklin and left a positive impression about sports and life in general. His mentorship with a constructive "do your best attitude" was great to receive at such an early age. I remember his "take a lap" instructions which I received often and use this term fondly today while coaching my kids' soccer teams in Vancouver. Thanks Coach Keane for making such a positive difference! You will be missed but never forgotten. My prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: george reznik (Friend ) on: Mar 09, 2015

• Jack and I worked together for many years in Corrections. He was the Warden at Rockwood when I was a parole officer and was the still the Warden at Rockwood when I was the Warden at SMI. Jack had his way of doing things whether it was getting his cup of instant coffee in the Rockwood kitchen or questioning a Deputy Comissioner on a policy that he saw no sense in developing. He was a champion of the underdog and an encouragement to all kids of both staff and inmates and I presume even more so of kids in his community. He always expressed interest in how others were doing. I considered him a friend in all regards and am sorry I will not be able to be present to say farewell in person as I am out of country. I have told Billy some of the stories that followed Jack through his Corrections career. There are many and trust me they will never be matched. The Keane family had a character for a father. You were very lucky. My sympathies to all of you. Art Majkut - Posted by: Art Majkut (Friend and co-worker) on: Mar 08, 2015

• The five best working years of my life were at Rockwood Institution in the early 8'0s. Things were different back then. He was able to bring me in as a substitute for a worker on sick leave. It was supposed to be for up to six months. I too always called him Mr. Keane until later years when our paths crossed at United Church Halfway Homes. He had an eccentric streak that shone through only overshadowed by his desire to be fair for as much as possible. Those qualities gave me a lot of space to work in. I was allowed to be present as my own person. Jack did not hide in any "ivory tower'. He liked to work at the people's end of things. He did not tolerate anyone being inappropriate with offenders even when he too, was frustrated. It sent the message that we were all in a boat together and had to develop ways to accommodate ourselves as a working group which included those serving time. I am so grateful, so very grateful, to him for taking me in at Rockwood and for guiding me through the bureaucracy. I also thank him for letting me work through my own soul in a prison setting .I had thought about him several times on Fri and Sat wondering who I should ask what he was doing. Later Sat evening I was advised by another former employee that Jack had passed. Sometimes he was like a blueberry in milk. This time I moved the spoon too slowly. Safe journey Jack. - Posted by: Kathryn Ross (he was my "boss" at Rockwood for five years) on: Mar 08, 2015

• Mr. Keane was a humble and compassionate man, not a comfortable combination for a prison warden. He liked to appear distracted or preoccupied, but he knew every last thing that was going on in that prison. He was exceptionally kind to me. When I'd get discouraged, he'd say "Ten dimes make a dollar". I use that expression to this day. The time I worked for him was the highlight of my career! - Posted by: Sue Swaigen (Worked under his leadership 1990 - 93) on: Mar 07, 2015

• My condolences to the family. Jack coached me in bantam and midget hockey in the '60s and to this day has left a lasting impression. He and Mary Ann were a big part of us growing up and I will always have fond memories. RIP - Posted by: Carl Bauer (My coach and friend) on: Mar 07, 2015

• I wish to express my sorrow for Jack's family and I want to express my gratitude for knowing such a wonderful human being. Jack was so gracious in the work he has done for so many people. Particularly the down and out. I have heard so many great stories about Jack by many of the inmates he has mentored over the years. Jack was color blind and it didn't matter who you were or what you've done, Jack always knew that a person could make changes in their lives and was always willing to help them and show them how. This world is certainly a better place because of your love for life sir. Rest in peace dear sir! You're humanity has not gone un-noticed! Kinonaskomitin! Hiy! Hiy! - Posted by: Melanie Setter (Former co-worker) on: Mar 07, 2015

• I speny many years working for Mr. Keane at Rockwood (I never called him Jack as I was very young at that time and it was a show of respect). He was such a character in some ways, but he was a good boss and was never short on giving "atta boys" when you had done a good job. I always have remembered him fondly and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. - Posted by: Donna Pedersen (Former co-worker) on: Mar 07, 2015