Keogh: George Alphonsus (October 29, 1933 – September 15, 2015).
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of George in Anchorage, Alaska on Tuesday September 15, 2015. Beloved husband, friend and travelling companion of Martina (Lesage). Deeply loved and respected by his children Natasha (Marty), Paul (Angie), Rochelle (Bill), and Geoffrey (Andrea). Beloved grandfather of Justin (deceased), Mackenzie, Aidan, Bhrett, Dania, Dylan, Sam, Ella, Mary, and Ava. Dear brother of John, Mary, Frank (deceased), Maurice, Larry, Angela (deceased), Louis, RoseAnn, Diane (deceased) and Colleen. Brother-in-law to Laura (deceased), Gerry (deceased), Ayako, Theresa (deceased), Theresa, Bill (deceased), Barb, Brian, Dwight, Bernie and Judy, Phil and Dorothy, Linda, James (deceased) and George (deceased). Will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, neighbours, friends and former students.
The loving compassionate care, George received at Providence Alaska Medical Centre during the last two weeks of his life was exceptional and will never be forgotten.
Resting at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, 905-936-3477 on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015 at St. James Church, Colgan. Interment will be held at a later date. Donations in George’s memory to the JAK Fund, 3712 Concession Road 7, Loretto, Ontario, L0G 1L0 would be greatly appreciated.
edi wilson says
My grade eight teacher many moons ago. He was my biggest fan when I needed it most.
Bill Fox says
For some reason, I was thinking of all my old friends in Colgan area this morning, and thought of George and found this obit. George now knows what a profound effect he had on so many. Just a simple thing when the family came to our cottage I was so impressed that George ALWAYS made the sign of the cross on the foreheads of his children at bedtime. I took up that great habit and have told many new fathers about it…all thanks to George hundreds of children have gone to sleep knowing God is with them, as he most certainly is with George today.
Mike Kirley says
I was on staff at St. James with George for most of my teaching career. He had my utmost respect as a model teacher….a teacher of the spirit, mind, and body. And he had a great sense of humour as well. Once I was on recess duty when a fight broke out among two grade 8 boys in the Spring. His comment: Let them fight it out, it’s over a girl and it’s been coming on on all year. When it is over they will be the best of friends. Sure enough, they walked away arms around each other’s shoulders. I always remembered that morning. Good bye George.
Rodney says
罗杰.彭罗斯 谈唯物主义：“ what I am partly syanig is that those words (materialist) are a bit out of date, because the contemporary understanding of material is very different now from the way it used to be. If we consider what matter really is, we now understand it as much more of a mathematical thing. When these categories materialist’, idealist’ etc. were first coined, people thought of matter as a much more defined thing, something which is there’, and then you combine that with mysterious mind stuff which is floating around, which would be separate from it. But I think that matter itself is now much more of a mental substance; So before we have a deeper understanding of what is really going on, to talk about things in these terms is almost certainly limiting and inappropriate.”我所部份谈到的是，这些语汇（唯物主义的）有些过时了，因为当今对物质的理解已经与过去大不一样了。 如果来考虑物质到底是什么，我们现在知道，这不过是个数学玩意。如“唯物主义的、“唯心主义的”这类词语当初被造出时，人们把物质想成是一个确定的东西，一件在那里明摆着的东西，再把它与神奇飘忽的精神连接起来。但我现在认为，物质的本质是心灵的。 所以，在我们对真相有更深的了解之前，奢谈那些语汇几乎必然是局限的、不合适的。
D'Arcy Ronan says
Mrs. Keogh (Martina), Natasha, Paul-Marc, Rochelle, Geoff & Families;
It is with great sadness to hear the passing of George.
Being married to a teacher you see firsthand that it is not an easy profession as some might think but to practice your profession in a small rural community where your class makeup any given year was neighbors, relatives or your own children and not get that “break” is a testament to his dedication to teaching and his ability to separate his “professional life” and “home life”.
He was Mr. Keogh, my teacher, neighbor, coach and as an adult he was just “George” because he always insisted on being addressed as such but not until after calling him Mr. Keogh first!
My lasting memory of George as a child growing up in Colgan was watching him most mornings from our kitchen window come up the hill with briefcase in hand on his way to St. James School to begin the school day.
Oh ya, who can forget the once a year reminder that you were too close to his “new” tree saplings that he had planted along the creek adjacent to Mrs. Ferguson’s property when we’d be over playing in your backyard.
He will be missed….Sending our condolences to everyone.
Sincerely,
D’Arcy, Denise, Jordan, McGuire & Seth Ronan
mary lynch says
On behalf of the members of the Adjala-Tosorontio Residents’ Association,I offer sincere sympathy to Marina and family for their loss.George was an excellent teacher and a remarkable community member. He was well respected and will sadly be missed by everyone. Sincerely, Mary Lynch.
Jeannette & Jim Ferrie says
Martina & Family, We were sorry to hear of George’s passing. Sending our condolences to all.
Matthias Syndikus says
My sympathy goes out to the Keogh Family.
Mr. Keogh, as I still call him, also left his influence on me as my 8th grade teacher at St. James almost 30 years ago. Like Kevin mentioned, Mr. Keogh taught more than just the class curriculum but also reinforced the values of respect and responsibility which are so important in one’s character. I also learned the joy of achievement from him (math). I also remember “the ruler” which he used to garner our attention as he slapped it down on his desk. We all waited for that and snapped to attention both willingly and appropriately.
Thanks Mr. Keogh!
Class of 1980 says
Poem by Kahlil Gibran
“Then said a teacher, “Speak to us of Teaching.” And he said:
No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of our knowledge.
The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness. If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind. The astronomer may speak to you of his understanding of space, but he cannot give you his understanding.
The musician may sing to you of the rhythm which is in all space, but he cannot give you the ear which arrests the rhythm nor the voice that echoes it.
And he who is versed in the science of numbers can tell of the regions of weight and measure, but he cannot conduct you thither.
For the vision of one man lends not its wings to another man.
And even as each one of you stands alone in God’s knowledge, so must each one of you be alone in his knowledge of God and in his understanding of the earth.”
Teaching Xviii
Gibran With a heavy heart we send our deepest sympathy to Mr. Keogh’s Family.
Part of you still lives on in the hearts and minds of your students.
You left a very positive lasting impression.
Thank-you for the precious time & memories you gave us your students.
Thank-you for being our wonderful TEACHER.
Henry & Joan Kwiatkowski says
Martina & family: Please accept our sincerest condolences in the sudden passing of George. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him, he was one great guy.
Also, accept my apologies for not getting up to the wake or the Mass today but you were in my thoughts & prayers. It is our 48 th anniversary and I wanted to spend it with Henry in Riverwood.
Joan
Anne Quist says
Dear Martina: Sending sincerest condolences to you and the family
on George’s passing. At times like this it is difficult to be so far away. Send me an e-mail so we can catch up.
Prayers and hugs
Anne
Mary & Elias Lafazanos says
Martina & Family,
Our sincere apologies on George’s passing. He was a great teacher and role model fo all of our young adults. Brian will represent us in our absence. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Cecilia McKenna Peirce says
Martina and all the Keogh Family,
Please know that I will be with you in prayer today. George was not only a much loved member of the Keogh 500 clan, but also a very respected teacher of mine. Sending you a big hug from Georgia, Martina. God bless you with the peace that only He can give.
Cecilia
Chris & Janet Bergin says
Our thoughts and prayer are with all the Keogh family during this difficult time.
Margaret and Fred Salmon says
Very sorry to hear of your loss Martina and family. Our prayers are with you.
Marc de la Bastide says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Keogh. He was a fine teacher, coach, and mentor. He will be dearly missed, not only by his family, but also by his extended family; all of his students and friends in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marc de la Bastide
Yvonne and Calvin Butcher says
We were truly saddened to hear of George’s passing. Alaska was calling him.
We send our deepest condolences to you Martina and your family.
Our prayers are with you at this time.
Don and Marilyn Nielsen says
It has been 40 yrs. since we last had contact with George and Martina, but we still have fond memories
George was such a great teacher with such a smiling positive manner – a truly fine individual.
Our sincere sympathizes to Martina and family.
Don and Marilyn
Kathy Fitzgerald says
Martina, I was so sorry to hear about George. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Kathy F.
Malachy Griffin says
Martina and family, I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember having George as a teacher who had a no nonsense attitude in his class room. I would have the opportunity to talk with George later in life on different occasions when I was invited to Keogh family events and he was always very personable and genuine to talk with.
Obermeyer family says
from our family to you Martina and your family our sincere condolences on such a sudden loss, we will miss George very much at St. James
Evelyn Wadden says
Martina and Family, we offer our sincere condolence to you and your family on George’s sudden passing Evelyn Wadden,Jeffrey ,Brad Jayni and Andrew!!
Stephanie Lafazanos says
Oops spelt my name wrong…
Stephanie Lafaznaos says
George was my grade eight teacher at St.James. I would like to wish him all the beauty that he can handle in heaven and a heartfelt virtual hug to all his family members. George was awesome for putting up with all us stinky grade eights for many, many years! Thanks George!
Joanne & Walter Randon says
Martina & family Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sadness..
Raymond and Colleen Scully says
Dear Martina and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of George’s passing. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers during the past few weeks.
George made an indelible imprint on many young lives. He encouraged a love of learning, sense of justice and passion for sport in his students. I still find myself quoting him- with a smile many years later.
George was a great neighbour and friend. We always really enjoyed and valued spending time with you both, each time we were home in Colgan. He will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
With love,
Colleen and Raymond
Mary O'Leary Heitzner says
Please accept our sincere sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at
this sad time.
George McKenna says
I am proud to share the first name of such a fine gentlemen and character guy. Martina and family – please accept our sympathies.
Bernie Eagan says
I was so sad to hear of George’s sudden illness and death . It is just so hard to grasp and I am sure you are all in shock . George was such a “gentle”man who always seemed so calm and unruffled . Many times I envied that and how he could just quietly smile while turmoil might be all around him ___ memories of my short working period with him. I am so sorry I cannot attend his wake and funeral as I am away at this time but you have certainly been in my thoughts and prayers over these past few weeks . My deepest sympathies to you Martina , your family and extended family . Much love , Bernie E .
Beatriz Baumfeld & Family says
Dear Martina & Family:
My deepest sympathy to all the Family, my heart aches for you all.George was a wonderful person, he was my mentor to become a faithful Eucharistic Minister and his calm and gentle ways were wonderful and comforting specially with his students, my boys had the privilege of having him as their teacher. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Stephen Willson says
Thank you for for my love of history. He made me a better teacher.
Sheri Sallows says
So very sad to hear of Mr Keogh’s passing! I had the pleasure of a hello and a chat a couple of months ago! Always kind, always friendly!
He was a lovely man that will be remembered fondly by myself and I’m sure by many of his other students.
Our deepest sympathies to the Keogh family. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Brent & Sheri (Jackson) Sallows
John Keogh says
Aunt Martina and Family,
We were very shocked and sorry to hear the sad news of George’s passing. We will always have many fond memories of “Uncle George” a true gentlemen,very well respected by anyone who had the privilege to have met him.
Martina and extended family, we will all miss him, stay strong, your cherished memories will help heal your hearts.
You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time.
John & Lynn Keogh
Marisa Carusone says
Mr. Keogh was the good teacher for all my 3 daughters in St. James. I’m so sorry of his passing, may he rest in peace.My deepest condolence to his wife Martina and all the extended family.
marisa Carusone
Cindi & Tony Dormer says
Our deepest sympathies to you Martina on the passing of George. We only met him a few times but he was a very kind person and neighbour. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by many and fondly remembered. May he rest in peace. Prayers to you and yours that your heart ache may be softened knowing he waits for you.
Joan Hebbes, Miriam (Wyzga), Matthew and Mark says
Mr. Keogh was an exemplary teacher. His guidance, patience and enthusiasm for learning was contagious and the students at St. James school in Colgan were the beneficiaries. God bless you Mrs. Keogh and your family.
Shirley Stonehouse says
Martina: please accept my sincere condolences for you and your whole family on George’s sudden passing. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers this week. Much love.
Darlene and John Bowie says
Geoff, Andrea, Paul and the entire family. Our sincerest condolences and thoughts are with you all as you endure these difficult days. Draw on the strength of your family and friends! Peace be with you all.
Kevin McKenna says
My memories of grade 7 are vivid …..and all good. George was a superb teacher. I am grateful for all his guidance especially his encouragement to get into public speaking to overcome my shyness in those days……
Our condolences to Martina and all the family.
Kevin Boston says
Mr. Keogh had such an influence on me and I am sure so many other people as well.
He taught me about respect, discipline and how to work hard. My memories of Grade 8 at St. James elementary school are filled with great times thanks to Mr. Keogh. He made coming to school a fun experience where you wanted to learn.
George as I was later honoured to address him by, was always a pleasure to be around. His smile and kind words were always heartwarming.
I am going to miss seeing him but I will never forget his voice especially saying these some of his famous lines:
“Back to your cages!”
“Gentlemen, time for history.”
“Let’s do some circuits.”
Thank you Mr. Keogh. You helped make me a better person.
Eilish and Bill Boston says
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. George made a profound impression on our three sons. He was a great teacher, fair and respectful with all his students during his teaching career at St. James Catholic Elementary School in Colgan. So much so that our son Sean called in with George to seek advice when he was starting his teaching career. Our family had great respect for George both as a teacher and a warm human being. Always a friendly greeting and a joke or two to share with all he met. Our sincere condolences to all the family. You have been in our thoughts and prayers for the past two weeks and will continue to be in the days ahead.