I'm shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's untimely death. I worked with him as a colleague at Brown on the early plans for Sidney Frank Hall.  He was great to work with, good-humored, fair-minded, with an acute sense of what was going on around him.  My condolences to the family on this huge loss.

I learned a lot from Mike at MCB graduate program. Sad to hear loss of a good scientist..

Mike was a big reason I came to the Brown graduate program. He was tough, but he took a chance on me and that was very motivational. He almost always had something to say. On the rare chance that he didn't he still looked like he did... He kept us all on our toes and I am honored that I got to know him.

My deepest sympathies go out to the McKeown family.  Mike was a colleague at Brown University.  He was always kind and interested.  He is certain to be missed by many.

My sincere condolences to the McKeown family. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dr. McKeown when I joined the MCB Administrative Staff at Brown University. He was a genuine, charming, intelligent and an overall lovely person. He always had a smile on his face, and brought so much joy to the department. It's truly heartbreaking to have lost such an amazing man who cared so deeply for those who worked for him.

With deepest sympathy to the McKeown family. Mike McKeown was a wonderful mentor during my postdoctoral studies in the late 90s at the Salk Institute, San Diego. He offered a passionate enthusiasm for science at the highest level and his generous support has been an important factor in my career. He was a great and generous scientist, as well as a warm and caring person and I am deeply grateful that I had the chance to work and interact with him.

Dr. Michael McKeown was my professor at Brown University when I joined the MCB biology graduate program in 2001. At that time, he had just started as the graduate program director, which meant that he looked after all the incoming graduate students, and guided them academically through their first years. Later, I asked Mike to serve on my thesis committee because I knew he would push me to work harder than I otherwise would have (if you could impress Mike, you were golden.)  As a mentor, Mike was caring and quick to reassure us in our efforts, often with a high-level joke delivered with a smile. But more importantly, he pushed us to be sharper, think deeper, and embrace the inherent challenges of science. For these qualities, there was no better mentor. Mike was an extremely quick-witted and hard-logical scientist who had an almost preternatural ability to dive to the root of any scientific problem, as many guest speakers to our department quickly found out for themselves. Mike truly led by example all those around him, and his example was flawless.  I offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a great mentor and a true scientist.

My deepest sympathy to your family.  As a loved one of the Atria community I saw Michael on a regular basis and was always touched by his tenacity to keep moving and engage with everyone around him. Every time I saw him I greeted him with a smile and hello Mike and he always responded by reaching out to touch my arm and trying to say a few words to me.  I will sadly miss seeing him but am glad he is at peace now.  I am sorry for this tremendous loss to your family and have you in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Erica 
Surrounding you with prayers for peace, comfort and healing for you and your beautiful family.
With love from, Maureen Kenner

OBITUARY

Michael Bruce McKeown

July 6, 1953 – December 21, 2016

Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel

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