It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Allan Ramsay Keating, 65, of Sydney River, NS. Allan passed suddenly on October 23, 2022. Born in Sydney, Allan would consider himself an Ashby boy until the family moved to Mira where he learned to hunt, fish and enjoy many a day on the Mira River. It was also here that he met his future wife Joan.
After marrying, they moved to Calgary where he learned the trade of carpentry. After receiving his red seal, he moved his family home to Cape Breton and opened Keating Construction. Operating for over 30 years, he took such pride in his work. He brought new carpenters under his wing, including family members and friends, and showed them the trade he grew to love so much. Featured as the Home Renovation Expert, he loved to share his home improvement knowledge with the community through CBC’s Maritime Noon.
If there was one thing Allan did better than construction, it was being a dad. He spent countless hours at rinks and soccer fields, in the lake teaching the boys how to swim, and at the beach in Whale Cove, teaching them to slow down and enjoy time with family. He was a staple, and often the mastermind behind shenanigans, at Whale Cove Summer Cottages each summer. It was here he was known as “King of the Beach.” This was his happy place.
Allan was the rock for so many of us in the family. He was our first call for anything we needed and was always there to lend a helping hand. Many knew his generosity; whether you needed to borrow a tool, to ask advice, or just the presence of a friend.
Allan was very active in his community over the years as hospitality at Our Lady of Fatima church and was heavily involved with their many fundraising events. He also sat on the board of Savoy Theatre and was an active member in minor hockey especially when his boys were playing. An avid fan of the Calgary Flames, he spent many Saturday nights sporting a flames jersey, cheering on his favourite team. He had the gift of a green thumb and was known for his extravagant gardens, a passion he later enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren.
Allan is survived by his wife Joan (Gillis); sons Michael (Michelle), Mark (Melissa); brothers: Kevin (Donna), Terry, Frank (Lynn), Paul (Sylvia); sisters: Joyce MacDonald and Monica (Robert) Brewer; along with many nieces and nephews who loved him with all their hearts. He was that special Uncle to each and every one of them. Also surviving are the lights of his life, his pride and joy, his beautiful grandchildren with whom he cherished so deeply; Madison, Isla, Grayson, Ewan and Bodie. Allan was predeceased by his son, Matthew Keating; parents, Frank and Phyllis Ramsay-Keating; mother and father-in-law Joanna “Nan” Thomas-Gillis and John Angus Gillis; sister Susan Keating-Matthews; brothers-in-law Joseph and Raymond Gillis.
There will be no visitation, however a Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Oct 27th at Our Lady of Fatima church at 11am with Father Conrad Edwards and Father Norman MacPhee officiating. A graveside service will follow at Whale Cove Cemetery on Friday, Oct 28th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Allan’s memory to Loaves and Fishes in Sydney. To leave memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
