EMANUEL (MAC) KEEN

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EMANUEL (MAC) KEEN 1913 - 2008 Emanuel (Mac) Keen passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 95. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth in 1990 and by all of his 11 siblings. He will be sadly missed by his daughters Marlene (Gordon) Wilson and Patricia Birdsell, his grandchildren Donna (Grant) Sokal, Debbie Wilson, Jennifer Wilson (Fred Maza), Darren Birdsell, and by his great-granddaughter Grace Sokal who made him so proud. Mac was born on May 12, 1913 in the area of Ridgeville, Manitoba. After an eventful youth he married Elizabeth Pearce on April 30, 1938. Dad and Mum farmed south of Thornhill, MB. later lived in Morden, moving to Winnipeg in 1960. He was a carpenter by trade and worked in the construction industry until his retirement in 1975, having worked on many high rise buildings in Winnipeg. One of his proudest achievements (as project foreman) was the construction of the site now known as Misty Lake Lodge, north of Gimli. He curled and lawn bowled for many years, winning many trophies for his efforts. He was a life time member of the Tuxedo Lawn Bowling Club. He loved sports, spending many hours watching baseball and curling. He was an accomplished musician, playing several musical instruments in various bands over the years. He still played his violin, clarinet or key boards on a daily basis. He very much enjoyed jamming with his grandson Darren. We won't soon forget Christmas last year at Donna's - Dad playing his violin and Jen on the piano playing our old time favorites . Thank goodness we have it on tape. He was a voracious reader and could argue his point of view on any topic. He was an avid card player, enjoying Kings in the Corner, whist, and bridge. And lets not forget cribbage. He would challenge you to a game anytime, anywhere. And heaven forbid if he should lose. For the past nine years dad has resided at Catherine Place. He was a familiar figure driving around St. Boniface and Norwood on his scooter, proudly displaying his Canadian Flag. He had an amazing memory and a sharp mind. At the age of 90 he learned to type so that he could write his memoirs, which was then compiled into a book by his granddaughter Debbie, a wonderful legacy for his family. His hobby was making something out of nothing and inventing all kinds of gadgets (some worked, some didn't). Who can forget his Casino Game that none of us could quite figure out how to work. He enjoyed his time at Catherine Place. We would like to thank all of the staff and home care workers for their kindness, support, compassion and understanding over the past few years. Their care and respect for the elderly does not go unnoticed. Thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses in the ER at St. Boniface Hospital. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date, with burial in the family plot at Darlingford, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in dad's memory to The St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, Radiothon of Hope, 409 Tache, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6. Dad, Grampy we love you and will miss you.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2008