On August 21st, 2016, after embracing life fully for 92 years, John J. Keough sadly said goodbye to this world.
John was born in Kaslo, BC on June 30th, 1924, and spent most of his youth in Revelstoke. He served his country in WW2 with the North Shore NB Regiment, landing on Juno Beach in 1944. He was recognized for his sacrifice with medals from both the Canadian and French governments.
In 1946, he married Phyllis Perry, and thus began many years of married life while he worked as an operator for the Canadian Pacific Railway. After numerous moves in the first six years of their marriage, he finally settled in Armstrong in 1953, when the oldest of his five children needed to start school. John became involved in numerous community ventures there, even serving as a City Alderman. He left the CPR in 1969 and spent two years in the Spatsizi wilderness, managing a big game guiding operation called Canadian Safari’s. When he returned to Armstrong, he became a Realtor, starting as a partner in S&P Realty.
In 1983 he married Norma Murnane and began a new chapter in his life. John was an outgoing, friendly man who had a passion for learning and experiencing all of life that crossed his path. He was especially interested in BC history. He loved the outdoors, and instilled that love in all eight of
his children. He shared many hunting and fishing trips, and numerous excursions into the bush to pick wild huckleberries, mushrooms and strawberries. He was a prospector at heart and enjoyed numerous adventures throughout his life in pursuit of gold and treasure. Metal detecting was a favorite pastime of his, and in recent years he also took up geocaching.
He loved rummaging around in old junk stores. John was a great story teller, and recorded many of his life’s adventures in three books he published for his family and friends
John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Norma, and his children: Maureen Coldicott, Cathi Litzenberger (Ralph), Colleen Malinosky (Terry Nelson), John Keough (Brenda), Michael Keough (Carolyn), Patricia Vannan (Neil) and Terry Keough (Shannon). He will be missed by 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn are his sisters Jo Hunter and Mary Keough, and brother, Terry Keough (Barbara), as well as Norma’s children, Heather, Beth, Lisa and Stephen. He was predeceased by his daughter Joanne, and grandsons Mark and Logan.
The family thanks Dr. Mandrick for his excellent care of Dad over the years. We’d also like to send a special Thank You to the caregivers at the Vernon Hospice for their compassionate support. Thanks also to Dad’s special friend and penpal Linda Kronbauer for her love and support. A Celebration of Life will be held for John on Wednesday, September 14th, at 1pm, at the Alternatives Chapel and Hall, 2980 Smith Drive in Armstrong, BC.