Patrick James Keast

While talking with my sister about memories of our school days, you popped into my head, and I was sad to look you up and find out that you had passed.

Mr. Keast, you were one of few teachers I actually looked forward to learning from. No doubt I learned many of my basic skills with tools and building things from you. I remember learning how to run a bandsaw and a drill press in your class. Somewhere, I still have my keychain and my little "cub car". I remember we used to sing Beach Boys songs together (most often I think it was Little Deuce Coupe)! I once gave you a trophy for being the best teacher, and to this day I can´t think of anyone who deserved it more.

Rest well and in peace, sir, and thank you for all you did for me and countless other kids.

Mr. Keast, I will always be reminded of you - My son plays with the wooden race car I made in your class in '97. And my dad still has on his keys the heated plastic twisty keychain my sister made in '98. I have many fond memories of you. Thank you

May you rest peacefully Mr. Keast.

From your incredible Elvis impersonations, to teaching your love of shop Mr. Keast you were one amazing teacher!! Kind, caring with a boisterous voice you always new where he´s was in the school. Rest in Paradise Sir!! Thank you for making MacMillan an amazing place to be!!!

My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Judy. Pat or Mr. Keast as I always called him was a fabulous teacher when I was in grade 7 and 8 at Rolling Meadows. When we met back up as colleagues later in life, he still called me little Sara Beckett. You are in my thoughts and prayers! RIP Mr. Keast

Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy, Sean and his wife Johanna Jo, and the Green family. Pat touched many lives in positive ways, including ours, with his kindness and humour. His inner strength, courage, and determination were inspirational. Our friendship with Pat has been a blessing.

Judy, my heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family and your stepson Sean, during this difficult time. Hold fast to your wonderful, cherished memories, and hold each other close. Thinking of you with love.

Judy, Sean, and the Keast/Green Family,
Pat was a wonderful man. His memory will continue to live on forever in your hearts .
My Sincerest Condolences,

I was very blessed to have Pat as my grade 8 teacher at Rolling Meadows in 1972. I was struggling in a foster home in Burlington and Mr. Keast was always kind and understanding to my situation. For 50 years he has held a very special place in my heart. He had a wonderful sense of humour and I loved his witty sarcasm! And I always loved that he was a straight-shooter; he told it like it was! He had a wicked side too - if we got caught chewing gum in his class, we had to put it on our nose! Or we had to pick dried pieces of gum from under the desks! We had a very special friendship (in spite of the gum episodes) and I have never forgotten him. He also taught one of my nieces. About 16 years later we were reunited at my sister's place for a celebration after my niece got married - what a thrill that was! I felt like a giddy school girl seeing him and he insisted that I call him Pat - which wasn't easy LOL I sent Judy a message a few months ago on Facebook asking her to give him a message for me, but I don't think that she saw it. I told her that I had seen him in a dream recently and just wanted to say hello. For some reason I was compelled to look in the obituaries today and saw his name. My heartfelt condolences go out to Judy and Sean and the entire family who were blessed to have him be a part of their everyday lives. I wish you well on your journey to the other side Mr. Keast ~ until we meet again... Nona Clark (nee Mahoney)

I only worked with Pat for a brief time at McMillan back in the 90's. He was a great guy, beloved teacher and loved by all. I remember being at his retirement and seeing one of his former students who was an Elvis impersonator drive in in a Cadillac as a highlight of his special event. So many people were there. Big hugs to Judy and the family. Pat left a lasting impression on all.

I had the pleasure of working with Pat at Sir Ernest MacMillian. He was so well liked by the staff and all of his students. His retirement will long be remembered since Elvis was able to join in the celebrations! Our thoughts are with Judy and family.

Mr. Keast was my Industrial Arts teacher in grades 7 and 8 and Sir. Ernest MacMillan. He was one of those teachers you always remember. My friends and I still talk about yelling HOT METAL while carrying projects from the welding area to the sink. I have all of the projects he taught me to make, including a beaver that is on display in my house right now. He shocked all the boys (and me) in my graduating class by giving me the Industrial Arts award, telling me that helping others to complete their projects is more important than making a thousand of my own. He was good at sneaking in those life lessons in the middle of making cool things. I have that award hanging in my basement. My dad came with me on the ski trips and greatly enjoyed talking with Mr. Keast. When I started teaching and returned to MacMillan for a few years, my dad actually asked me about Mr. Keast. Sadly for us, he wasn't still there.
Mr. Keast was an amazingly talented and funny teacher who will always bring a smile to my face when I remember him. I am sorry for his loss and send my condolences to his family.

I had the good fortune to work with Pat, as a teaching colleague. He was a wonderful, caring teacher who always brought out the best in his students. They adored him. Dedicated, honest and outspoken, he was not only loved by students but was a respected friend to his colleagues. He had a heart of gold and a sense of humour to match. He will be missed by more people than his beloved family and friends will ever know and will be remembered fondly, always. My heart is with Judy and Sean and all of his family and friends. Fondly, Susan