John McKeown

Passed away peacefully, at Grey Bruce Health Services, Markdale, on Sunday, March 27, 2022. John Clement McKeown of Markdale at the age of 88. Beloved husband of the late Helen McKeown (Woodcock). Dear son of the late Thomas and Laura McKeown. John will be remembered by his extended family and friends. John received a teaching degree one year after Grade 13 and got a Bachelor's degree over many summers. His first teaching position was in a one room school in Glenelg. When the small schools were closed, he started at St Theresa in Midland. He was loved by his students, cherishing and keeping many letters of appreciation from his teaching career. But Markdale was still his home. He boarded in Midland through the week but always came home on weekends to help on the farm. John always loved the farm. It is claimed there is not a farm in Grey County with straighter fences than John's and he could often be seen in the heat of the summer digging post holes by hand. He was a model son who cared for his parents in their aging years and never spoke a bad word about them or anyone else for that matter. John was a social person who in a gathering could talk with anyone on many subjects A penny saved was a penny earned to John having lived through tough economic times. It is said that he never carried a spare tire because he knew he would save on gas with the lighter load. He would not fill the furnace oil until it was almost empty - no need to spend money too quickly! He met the love of his life through their shared love of music. The year 1989 saw both John's retirement from teaching and his marriage to Helen! John was a loyal husband who treasured his wife. Together they clocked many volunteer hours at Grey Gables playing piano for the seniors as well as playing organ at church. They traveled to western Canada and loved to winter in Florida. John was a faithful listener and frequent contributor to the CFOS Friday call in and especially loved the "Looking Back in History" page in the Flesherton Advance. The one thing John was most grateful for was chocolate. It was his weakness and his pleasure He couldn't resist a bite or two or three brought by his visitors. He will be greatly missed. Visitation was held at the May Funeral Home, Markdale, Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Father Wojciech Kuzma officiated at a Mass of Christian Burial held at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Chatsworth on Friday, April 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Spring interment in St. John's Roman Catholic Cemetery, West Grey. Condolences for the family may be arranged through May Funeral Home, 63 Main St. East, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 (519-986-3310), www.mayfh.ca.