SEAN PATRICK McKENNA

SEAN PATRICK McKENNA It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Sean Patrick McKenna of Toronto, aged 41, on March 4, 2005. Sean died accidentally near his family cottage, a place he loved to be with his friends and family. Sean could not have been a prouder father of Katie, aged eight, and Michael, aged four. He delighted in ever y moment of their lives and enthusiastically supported and participated in all of their interests. He was a gentle and loving father who, at six feet seven inches appeared imposing but tenderly ministered to their ever y need. He nurtured wonder ful values, humour, and an interest in the world around them. He is the loving husband of Kathy Henderson, her best friend, her strength, and partner. Kathy and Sean were mar ried May 17, 1991. Sean grew up in a wonder ful family in Schomberg, Ontario. He leaves behind loving and much loved parents Neil and Ann McKenna. He also leaves war m and devoted siblings ­ brother Neil (Carol) McK enna, Stephen Boucher, Joe (Soen- Young) McK enna, Ger r y (Tammy) Barclay, and his sister Shannon (Ian) Davis. He also leaves loving in-laws Don and Mar y Henderson, brother-in-law Michael (Lisa) Henderson and Jane (Sean) Bayley. He also leaves many nieces and nephews; Neil, Liam, Evan, Maggie, Nolan, Sarah, Ben, Owen, Alison, Oliver, and Mar y. Sean enjoyed his status as much loved uncle and he knew how to make each child feel special. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sean enjoyed life immensely. He was defined by his ability to make friends and to be grateful and happy for the company of them. He was also a wonder ful friend, who combined rare depth and compassion with razor sharp wit. Sean loved a party. He was gregarious, char ming, and extroverted and people loved to be around him. He had a sense of humour second to none, a wonder ful speaking voice and he was of ten called upon to speak at his friends' special occasions. His friends are too numerous to count and live around the cor ner and all over the world. Sean graduated from King City Secondar y School where he played both football and 'Reach for the Top'. He attended York University studying economics and then graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1988 where he made some of his most abiding friendships. He was called to the bar in 1990 and practised commercial litigation in Toronto. Many people who walked in Sean's office lef t as lifelong friends. Sean lived in the Beach where he enjoyed coaching soccer, taking the kids tobogganing, r unning on the boardwalk and, of course, enjoying a pint in the local pub especially if it involved a trivia game and teasing his buddy Andrew. He was a member of the Balmy Beach Club, Scarborough G&CC and enjoyed being an active and giving member of the Beach community. Fr iends will be received at the SHERRIN FUNERAL HOME, 873 Kingston R oad (west of Victoria Park Avenue), Toronto (416-6982861), on Monday, March 7, 2005 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A funeral mass celebrating Sean's life will be held at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, 794 Kingston R oad, on Tuesday, March 8 at 1 p.m. Cremation to follow. Sean was an uncommonly generous person who quietly supported causes and many people without fanfare. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a favourite charity would be appreciated. Sean loved children so any charity that supports them would be wonder ful.