Robert "Bob" Keenan

August 22, 1928 - November 24, 2014It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Douglas Keenan, of Thunder Bay, on November 24, 2014. He passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 86. Bob is survived by his four children: Carol (Scott) Brady (Coral Springs, FL), Bill (Anita) Keenan (Boca Raton, FL), Cathy (Dale) Chynoweth (Parkland, FL) and Bob Keenan (Vancouver, BC). Bob is further survived by his five grandchildren: Justine, Kirsi and David Keenan; and Kyle and KristiChynoweth. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other extended family members and many friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Stella Carolyn (Iwasiw) Keenan, and his brother, William Frank Keenan of Vancouver, BC. A charismatic self-made businessman, Bob called Thunder Bay home his entire life, although his business dealings, good weather and more than a few golf courses compelled him to spend many a winter in South Florida. Bob was born in Vineland, ON, and moved to Port Arthur as a young child with his family. Always entrepreneurial, Bob began his working life as a teenager as a produce clerk at Eaton's. He then moved on to become a subcontractor for them, installing furnaces throughout Northwestern Ontario, a trade he learned from his father. Blessed with a natural instinct for business and a razor sharp mind for numbers, Bob's early successes in the furnace business encouraged him to embark on a successful 50-plus year career in real estate development. Bob was an original partner in Dawson Properties, as well as a founding partner in Headway Corporation, both successful real estate development companies with well-respected, long-standing histories. Through his leadership and the contribution of other business partners, many new single and multi-family communities were built in town along with several prominent commercial projects. As these companies grew, they continued to expand across Canada and into parts of the United States. Forever enthralled by the possibilities of business, Bob always made time to mentor and provide guidance to a number of friends who appreciated his advice.But perhaps Bob's favourite development was the compound he created for his family at Shebandowan Lake. The Keenan family camp has been a much-loved summer retreat for more than 50 years, and nurtured a deep love of watersports, saunas, barbeques and sunsets in Bob's children and grandchildren. Bob took such great pride in watching the next two generations of his family, along with their friends, enjoying the fruits of his labour. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and nature lover, and was known for his large vegetable gardens in town and at camp. Fishing and hunting in the fall; alpine skiing in the winters; boating and swimming in the summers; and golfing as much as possible. These were Bob's loves. His tradition of taking the boys for quiet walks in the fall, hunting for partridge, is just one of the many legacies he has left behind and that will be fondly remembered by his sons and grandsons. Bob was a builder. More than just buildings, he built a home, safe and secure; and he built a family, filled with love and possibility and connectedness. This is his finest legacy, and one that will not be forgotten. Bob received extraordinary in-home care from his dedicated health care team, anchored by Cindy Rosario, and supported by Rhoda and Erlin. The kindness, caring and dedication of this group was exceptional and we are so thankful to have had them on board. Cindy not only provided top-notch health care for Bob for the past two and a half years, she also brought light and laughter to him with her gentle humour and constant companionship, providing medicine as good as any prescription. For this we are forever grateful. In addition, our sincere thanks to all those from the Thunder Bay Medical Community who assisted with Bob's care, both in and out of the hospitals. Special thanks to Dr. Kennedy, Calvin, Paula, Josh and Carrie for their exceptional care. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29th, 2014 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Hugh MacDonald. Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens willfollow the luncheon. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Harbourview Funeral Centre. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Foundation or a charity of your choice.On-line condolences may be offered atwww.harbourviewfuneral.ca"