William Edward Keenan

Suddenly during the early morning of Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 78 years of age. Loving father of Mary Margaret (Mimi) and Bob Burdett, Patricia (Trish) and Robert Tighe, Kathryn and David Schwanke, John and Barb Keenan, and Kevin Keenan and Dr. Monique Pinsonneault. Dearly missed by his nine grandchildren; Mary Kathryn, Michael, Trishy, Brian, George, Meghan, Stephen, Alexandre and Vincent. Predeceased by his parents Margaret (nee Fitzgerald) and John S. Keenan and his brother Don. Beloved brother of Jim, Harry, Jane, Paul and Bruce. Caring uncle to dozens. Bill was born and raised in Toronto. He was a scholar at OLPH, St. Michael's Choir School and St. Michael's College. He graduated from the U of T with a degree in architecture in 1955. Following nearly two decades of private practice in Toronto he joined the public service in the Restoration Services Division and moved to Ottawa. Bill's projects included work in Kingston, Dawson, Whitehorse, Ft. St. James, and Moscow, USSR. In 1983 he joined the Engineering and Architecture branch of Transport Canada. One of his many accomplishments was design work on the new control tower at Pearson. By the mid-1990's he was a senior architect with Public Works. His professional career ended abruptly late last week while he served as Manager of Architecture (Ontario Region) for Public Works and Gov. Services Canada. Bill was an irreplaceable resource and an expert in his field. He was a learned and refined professional complete with a keen wit. He served as a mentor to some and a passionate example to all. Bill also donated large amounts of time to his communities, receiving numerous awards and distinctions. Most importantly Bill Keenan was a kind, thoughtful and generous father, grandfather and brother. He was a loyal friend to so many. Bill will be missed. Friends may visit on Thursday, November 27, 2008 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church (24 Cheritan Avenue). As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Blessed Sacrament Restoration Fund.