John 'Redmond' O'Keefe
Passed in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 18th, 2012
John ‘Redmond’ O’Keefe, 78 of Sydney, passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.
He was the son of the late J.J. and Tilly (Burgey) O’Keefe.
Redmond was a dedicated member of his community and church. Having traveled abroad he remained proud of Cape Breton history and his Irish heritage. He enjoyed welcoming cruise ship passengers during his Northend walking tours and volunteering at St. Patrick’s Museum and the Jost House.
Redmond taught at Sydney Academy for 30 years where he served as head of the Social Studies Department and was Vice Principal at Holy Angels High School for one year. Former students have often commented that they enjoyed him as a teacher because he had a great sense of humour. He was president and life time member of the Social Studies Teachers Association of Nova Scotia, president of the Industrial Cape Breton Council of Churches, president of the Cape Breton Branch of the Canadian Bible Society, president of the Old Sydney Society and board member of the Cape Breton Labourers’ Development Company Ltd.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jessie (Morrison); daughter, Susan and son-in-law, Robert Muise of Elmsdale; son, John and daughter-in-law, Cindy of Lakeview; son, Stephen and daughter-in-law, Elma Santos of Calgary and son, Kevin of Toronto; grandchildren, Megan, Matthew, Jonathan, Erin, Maya and Lilly. Also surviving are sisters, Ollie MacPhee (Jos) and Sr. Maria Lawrence (CSM), Sydney Mines; brother, Greg (Mary), Sydney River and sister-in-law, Rita O’Keefe, Margaree Forks.
He was predeceased by his brother, Larry O’Keefe.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 at T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney. A funeral mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Theresa’s Church on Monday, July 23 at 2 p.m. Rev. Tom MacNeil and Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. A reception to follow at St. Theresa's Hall.
Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.
