Fr. Howard J. Keon C.S.B.

Peacefully, November 1 at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto after suffering a serious fall at night in his bedroom at Anglin house just a few hours after celebrating his 96th birthday on October 14. Father Howard was the oldest of four children of Clare Cameron and James Keon. He was predeceased by his brothers Michael and Fr. James, CSB and survived by his sister Madeline Adams and her three children. Father Howard flew 30 bombing missions for the RCAF over Germany in 1944 and was awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war Howie was inspired by his brother Jim to also take vows with the Basilian fathers in 1953. After his ordination, also in Toronto, in 1957, he taught for two years at Assumption College School. He then began his many years of ministry in Lethbridge AB, teaching at Catholic Central HS from 1960 to 1973 and as assistant pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption Church from 1980 to 2000. Fr. Howard was also novice master in Rochester NY from 1973 to 1980. After retiring at 80 years of age in Lethbridge he moved to Toronto at Soulerin House from 2003 to 2007 when he moved to Anglin house until his death. Fr. Keon received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2007. Visitation will be held Friday, November 4 from 9 AM until a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Chapel of the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, 95 St. Joseph Street, Toronto, followed by internment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill ON. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Basilian Fathers’ Retirement Fund, 95 St. Joseph Street, Toronto M5S 3C2.