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George Killeen Obituary
An artist educator and relief worker living abroad in Northern Italy, United Emerates, Switzerland, Cairo, Singapore and finally settling in his favorite place Mombasa, Kenya.
Although George had so many life experiences, his fondest were with his greenie rats in S. Boston and painting scenes on M Street beach. George will always be remembered for his giving character and love for his family.
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Memories and Condolences
for George Killeen
Jason
May 7, 2025
Had a beer for you at sunset George; cheers my friend
Jason Whitnell
May 8, 2024
Heidi & I had a sunset G&T in memory of you George; always in our thoughts
Eugene Auka
May 8, 2024
Rest in peace George
Blythe family
May 7, 2024
George was a " good guy " from a great family .
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Paul Riley
May 7, 2024
Was just enjoying a glass of wine, gazing at your painting I have and remembering what a unique individual you were. You are missed.
Sean
May 8, 2023
Loved by so many missed by all love u my brother
Seano
Marion Ritz
May 7, 2023
3 years..
In my heart and thoughts always, George X
Jason Whitnell
May 7, 2023
Remembering my friend George
Franz
May 10, 2022
Always in my heart and memories. Also my parents are with you now; celebrate with them in heaven! love XXF.
Jules Nicholson
May 8, 2022
Still in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Kezziah
May 8, 2021
Continue to Rest In Peace George
Ocki Fernandes
November 13, 2020
Ocki Fernandes
November 13, 2020
Ocki Fernandes
November 13, 2020
Ocki Fernandes
November 13, 2020
Ocki Fernandes
November 13, 2020
Ocki Fernandes
November 13, 2020
In Memoriam - Stamford American International School
Franz
June 7, 2020
Franz
June 7, 2020
by buddy, you will be missed .. from our wild time together in Trieste, when we were young, to our trip to Amsterdam, the samosas at your home in Mombasa, by the lighthouse, Xmas in Dar-el-Salam, new year's eve in Zanzibar, and much more..
thanks for all buddy
big big hug George,
and enjoy your new adventure!!
love
Kezziah
June 2, 2020
One of the most kindest and humble person I have know. George always sought to see the best in everyone. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Kezziah ( former colleague Aga Khan Academy,Mombasa,Kenya
George Gachoya
June 1, 2020
Rest with the angels, George Killeen!
Pam Ogega
June 1, 2020
George was a lively soul, positive, encouraging.I worked with him at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.
Harsha Khataw
June 1, 2020
Rest in Eternal Peace Dear friend . Glad that we can cherish lots of wonderful memories with him. George was always friendly and made everyone around comfortable. He was a believer of giving back to the community.
Jahazi, Old Town n Diani will always be with you . Condolences to the family
George you will be missed !
El
May 30, 2020
Mr Killeen was my art teacher for 3 years. He was an amazing teacher and a wonderful person who always put a smile on our faces. He will be missed in many communities around the world.
Judy West
May 27, 2020
George was my first friend from Southie. He introduced me to Carson Beach, Fort Point Channel and the clock tower on West Broadway. So naturally when I landed a photo studio on West Broadway in South Boston I thought of George. And then when John became the official clock winder of said clock on West Broadway I thought of George again. Eventually I settled into a little house and started calling South Boston my home. If this neighborhood could raise a man as kind and creative and worldly as George Killeen surely its good enough for me.
RIP my friend.
George Killeen at AIB 1983
Sean
May 26, 2020
Ty George 4 showing me how 2 drive+ being my 5th grade teacher u taught me a lot including how 2 b a great person ty my friend lov u seano
Mary Sanganyi Nyandieka
May 26, 2020
George was a happy go lucky guy! He fitted in with everyone and always had a smile for everyone. George, we shall miss you - we worked with you for many years in the formative years of Aga Khan Academy Mombasa. You became a Mombasan, mingled easily with everyone around you. May you find peace as you rest. May your memory linger on.
Helene Caillet
May 23, 2020
George really did make our world a better place with his generosity, kindness and devotion. He has shown us how to do it. Let him continue to be our guide.
Terry Waiganjo
May 23, 2020
Mr. Killeen was a fantastic teacher, mentor and friend. He taught me for 2 years in Mombasa and we had such good times laughing and having kahawa with the little kids at cafe Jahazi in Old town. Ill always remember him for being a warm and kind teacher, one who listened to everyone and loved to poke holes in our arguments in order to strengthen our points. We all loved his art and his ability to make something out of nothing. Rest in heavenly peace George.
Harsev Oshan
May 22, 2020
Mr. Killeen was a great mentor, a friend, a teacher and always lit up any room he was in. Always smiling, always positive, always cheerful. It's an honour to have known him and have him in my life when I was in Kenya. He steered me through some difficult times. You will be missed Chief.
Laura Swash
May 22, 2020
Fond memories of Egypt and hanging around to chat in the art room and of Singapore and meeting up again. As George said when leaving for Boston, 'Another big adventure.' An honour to have known George and the world is sadder and quieter without his humour, talent and kindness.
Sheliza Jamal
May 22, 2020
I worked with George at the Academy in Mombasa. He always knew how to light up a room and make you feel good. He was a talented artist and a great friend.
Rodney Bosire
May 22, 2020
It's so sad to hear of the departure of a friend and work colleague. May his soul rest in peace.
Jackson Ligaga
May 22, 2020
I worked with George in Mombasa and i am greatly indebted to him for teaching me, guiding me and most importantly he made me love CAS. Rest well Buddy.
Jackson
Alfonso Orsini
May 22, 2020
I met George through Peter McMurray. He was warm, genuine, witty and perceptive and so instantly knowable and likeable. An artist and a mensch. Right now I picture him exploring imagery in the heart of the universe. No one who has known him could ever forget him. Shanti, shanti, shanti.
Josephine Kang
May 22, 2020
Mr. Killeen is one of the nicest teachers that I've ever known. He is such a warm person, and truly care about his students and support them all the time. I will never forget how he helped my son and eased my concern when we just moved to Singapore five years ago. Mr. Killeen, how much I wish I could have the chance to thank you again before you left Singapore. You will be remembered with love by us all the time.
Peter J McMurray
May 22, 2020
George first worked foe me in 1995 in Abu Dhabi. He worked again for me in Switzerland and then Mombasa. He always in that time looked out for everyone, never himself. He was probably the kindest heart I have ever encountered and I am very proud to have known him and to have become his friend. I will miss him terribly and the world is a poorer world without him.
Hope
May 22, 2020
You are never gone George, for heroes like you always leave a print in our hearts. I will try to fit in your boot, to carry on with what you left... helping and standing for the less fortunate in the society. Rest in eternal peace, my brother.
Jason Whitnell
May 22, 2020
George my dear friend & an inspiration to my son Jacob. So many good times in Mombasa at his house or at the sailing club on a Friday after school. George, Jacob & I would go for Wednesday pizza & beer; we were family in Mombasa. His passion for art, love of life & his own maverick style was George. Remember George with a smile & a drink to cheers him; may you be forever free in Kenya
Jonathan Liu
May 22, 2020
Mr. Killeen was one of the nicest and most supportive teacher/person I have ever met. When I was in middle school in Singapore, he was like a father figure to me.
There are more than one million words in the English language, but no combination of them can fully express my gratitude towards everything he has done for me and my sorrow towards his passing.
Kipkemoi Serem
May 21, 2020
We will miss Mr. Killen for the impact he had on many. He treated everyone equally and fairly. He did not have boundaries in his relationships with anyone. He made friends with people from different background and cultures. May his soul rest in Peace!
Tulsi Vyas
May 21, 2020
Mr. Killeen was one of the kindest teachers I had during my time at AKA,M. Despite the several art classes with him, I will always remember him as the man who introduced me to sailing, and acted as my instructor for the weekly sailing sessions. He always encouraged me and my talents, and would consistently push me to participate in inter house activities (on behalf of our beloved green house of course) and share my talents. It almost seems like a full circle to have ended up in Boston for university and to share my fondest memories of him through the Boston Herald.
Rest In Peace Mr. Killeen, you will truly be missed by all.
William Chengo
May 21, 2020
My fondest memories come from our interactions in the TOK class as you guided me through the whole essay process. Another was the Wednesdays sailing sessions and dinner thereafter! Rest easy buddy
Susanne Mung'aro
May 21, 2020
Death is our friend precisely because it brings us into absolute and passionate presence with all that is here, that is natural, that is love Life always says Yes and No simultaneously. Death (I implore you to believe) is the true Yea-sayer. It stands before eternity and says only: Yes.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I met George in 2008, when I was working at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa. I got to know him as a very fine human being, and I am sure that he will be missed dearly by many. However, I know he will live on in our hearts...
Esther Nondi
May 21, 2020
George will surely be missed by all of us in Mombasa, Kenya. He was a darling to all. He became more of a Mombasa resident than even some of us who are Kenyan. Rest in peace buddy!!
Jimnah Kimani
May 21, 2020
George was full of joy and humility. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Bonface Mulama
May 21, 2020
I remember George for encouraging many students to be involved in CAS, he was a true leader and Artist, I will miss him. May his soul rest in peace
Jane Okello
May 21, 2020
A Kiln indeed in your ideas were born just as a Kiln bakes the best. Your life was art in itself just like the art department that you led. In you one found richness of life just as art fills one with such richness regardless of their current state of being. You made like beautiful and you lived it well. Rest in peace our ideal Kiln
Mary Wanza
May 21, 2020
It was a pleasure working with George Killeen, he mentored me when I was new at the Academy as an art teacher who had never taught IB. I will always remember him for that and his attitude towards work and life. May his soul rest in peace.
Eugene Auka
May 21, 2020
When cancer steals the life of someone who was real and caring like George regardless of status and race, there are no words to describe. Be happy Buddy
Ann Peterson
May 21, 2020
George was a beautiful, thoughtful, considerate, and creative soul. My fondest memories are of traveling with him to Italy and to India. He was so adventurous! It was wonderful to see him years later in Singapore. He touched my life in a special way and I will cherish the memories always. I wish the family peace through this time and that you find strength in one another. Rest In Peace, George. Love you and thank you dearly.
Lora
May 21, 2020
George was my Art teacher in IB and he was such an inspiration to all of us. He organized an art trip to Malindi for our class and it was honestly one of my favorite moments in high school. George was always full of life and such a fun loving guy. A lot of people miss you and will remember you.
Félim Bolster
May 21, 2020
George was a kind, funny, and supportive friend. I arrived in Abu Dhabi, a long way from home and was introduced to George as my roommate and colleague. I spent two great years living with George. Lots of laughs, music and, kindness. Many great memories that I will cherish forever. Sleep well, George
Carol Zakula
May 21, 2020
To George's family, I'm so sorry for your unimaginable loss . Not only was George the life of the party wherever he over 20 years ago in Abu Dhabi, he also reached out to friends and colleagues in quiet moments that encouraged, calmed, uplifted... almost without fail bringing smile to their faces. One of a kind, a colleague and friend I always hoped I'd cross paths with in an airport again someday. See you later, George.
Chris
May 20, 2020
Condolences and love to KK and family. I always looked forward to Georges visits back home. There isnt much I can say that hasnt already been said. Artist, teacher, explorer. Son, brother, friend. For me, George gets the highest accolade that I can give. He was a good guy. A sincere , caring, positive energy that made you feel better about yourself and better about the world.
Zayed
May 19, 2020
Thank you for believing in me and seeing the potential in me which I didn't see myself. Sorry, I never did the movie night event
Jules Nicholson
May 17, 2020
Seeing George in the morning on our way up to our classrooms was always a great way to start the day. His sparkling eyes, great sense of humour and positive outlook was inspiring and guaranteed to put everyone who met him in a good mood. It was a great pleasure to work with George these last few years and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Christina Keng
May 17, 2020
Mr. Killeen is one of the teachers that I love to share ideas with. He is always very inspiring and patient when he is explaining the problem. I can always find inspiration from his words.
Kaeden
May 16, 2020
Thank you Mr Killeen. Even though I did not know you that well, I fondly remember our trip to Battambang and when we were hiking together with our advisory.
Nina Rasekhi
May 15, 2020
Mr Killeen was one of the most supportive teachers I ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was always interested in helping his art students expand and improve their works and ideas and his dedication to his students was truly inspiring. The kindness that he showed towards everyone will always be remembered.
John Kotelly
May 14, 2020
Condolences to all from John Kotelly, formerly from 176 Marine Road. George and his sister Tracey were playmates with my little niece Deborah. I still remember how often George would brighten up the neighborhood. A wonderful little boy.
Diana Kondratova
May 14, 2020
Mr Killeen was always an inspiring individual, in his TOK and art class I felt understood and motivated to look beyond what simply is. He taught me patience and curiosity, which I am ever grateful for. His positive energy is missed and will definitely be remembered by all of his students.
Seungbin
May 14, 2020
Though only spending half a year in an art class which would be considered eye-opening to many, I learned significantly through his teachings and I greatly appreciate it.
Margaret Raleigh
May 13, 2020
I'll miss talking with George about TOK. We would catch each other up on what we were each doing with our TOK groups and he would get really excited about the direction of the course and the activities the students were doing. You could tell he really cared about his students. His conversations were so engaging that I often found myself missing my floor and staying on the elevator just to continue our conversations. I will miss you, George.
Eli
May 13, 2020
Mr Killeen was a good art teacher. Enjoyed my time with him last year.
Ajit Dhillon
May 13, 2020
During our time teaching in Singapore, George always managed to put things in perspective. He was such a good influence on those around him, both colleagues and students alike. We were bunkmates on a camping trip to Malaysia and shared some great laughs. Going to miss you, buddy.
Georgia Parsons
May 13, 2020
George was a dear friend and colleague. I learned so much from him; in my teaching practise, in my art practise, and just how to be a better person. I miss you Georgy Boy. A special man who will always be in my heart.
Maureen Oldham
May 13, 2020
So sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a kind and caring friend growing up. Many memories from M St. beach and M & 6th. So sorry for your loss.
Shawn Flaherty
May 13, 2020
My Condolences to the Killeen Family. Sorry for your loss!
Marion Ritz
May 13, 2020
I knew George from 8 years at St. Brigids School and being a greenie rat. George is one of the kindest people I know. Could always make you laugh and stir you in the direction of adventure. I followed his adventures and lived vicariously thru him. George, till we meet again...thank you for being my friend....luv ya, buddy.
Paul Riley
May 13, 2020
George, I have many a fond memory of hanging out with you in Basel. Gigi, myself, Isabelle and Dominic will miss you but will always remember you through your paintings we have! RIP my friend
Chris Hambley
May 13, 2020
George was a good buddy, always up for a laugh or an adventure. I have fond memories of working together in Basel, playing guitar as we practiced for a busking routine that we never quite got around to; just hanging out & laughing & bombing around town, catching The Pretenders in concert in Montreux, and our trips to Paris, Trieste, Slovenia, Inishmore, and Venice. I vividly remember us hanging out one afternoon on the far corner of Venice (to get away from the tourists and find something authentic, George said), drinking spritzes with some locals that George had charmed instantly. I still cherish his little sketch here that captured our view of Venice that afternoon. George was great at nudging people towards fun and new experiences--if there wasn't an adventure at hand, he'd create one for you! Thanks George.
Sarah Dutta
May 13, 2020
George was a treasured colleague to us here in Singapore. We (the art team and his students) will miss him dearly. He had such a kind, caring and selfless aura and touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Debbie Killeen
May 12, 2020
George will be missed, but never forgotten. His life experiences will be told forever. His smile and laugh will always be with us.
Shannon
May 12, 2020
I am so sorry for ur loss! Praying for ur family!
Kate Roper
May 12, 2020
George was such a sweet soul. I enjoyed playing Irish music with him in the early 90s in Boston with Johnny Coe, Brian, Gerry and Mark. Below is a picture of him playing the bodhran at my birthday party in Kingston, MA. I also visited him in Trieste. So sad to hear he has left this earth.
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