The Honourable John (Jack) A O’Keefe, QC Former Justice of the Federal Court of Canada
1945-2021
The Honourable John (Jack) A
O’Keefe, QC, Former Justice of the Federal Court of Canada.
Carried on the wings of Angels to his
eternal home, Jack passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. His
passing was at home, as per his wishes, after spending several days
surrounded by the love of his wife, children, grandchildren and
siblings.
Jack was born to the late John
and Loretta (Fisher) O’Keefe on May 18,1945. He is survived
by his loving wife of 53 years Beverly (Dixon) and his children
Jacqueline (Rene Wolfe) and Sean
(Alaina) O’Keefe. His two grand children, Alexandra and
Emerson loved and cherished their grandfather,
Bubba.
Jack is also lovingly
remembered by his sister Peggy (Joey MacDonald) and brothers Donnie
(Carol) and Allan (Marcella). He was predeceased by his sister Barbara
and infant brother, John Alexander.
Jack is also remembered by the
Dixon family, which includes brothers and sisters in law; Claude,
Doris, Joan, Gloria (all deceased) as well as Alan (Joyce), Sefton
(Sandra), Bernie (Marla), Pauline (George) and
Joyce.
Numerous nieces, nephews and
cousins all have special memories of their Uncle/Cousin
Jack.
Jack was born in Bear River,
PEI. He attended Bear River South, a one room school house; Souris
Regional High School; and then graduated with a Business Degree from
UPEI. Jack completed his law degree in 1974 at Dalhousie Law School.
He was called to the PEI Bar in 1975.
Upon completion of his law
degree, Jack joined the firm of Foster, MacDonald and Carruthers which
later became known as Foster O’Keefe. Jack practiced
primarily in the areas of civil litigation, labour and administrative
law.
On June 30, 1999 Jack was
appointed to the Federal Court of Canada, Trial Division. He remained
in this position, based in Ottawa, until his retirement in
2015.
Throughout Jack’s
life, he volunteered with different organizations including Boy Scouts
of Canada, Diabetes Association, Canadian Bar, Law Society of PEI and
he was Chairman of the UPEI Board of
Governors.
Jack loved
to travel and family holidays to the sunny south made lasting memories
for his family and friends. He loved boating and many happy times were
spent aboard Jack’s boat, « The Litigator. » Jack
also loved animals and had a great fondness for Standard Poodles. Upon
his passing, his dog Gracie by his side, Jack was reunited with the
family dogs who gave him such great joy.
Family was everything to Jack.
He cherished great family gatherings, while looking forward to the
next one. His smile was always the biggest in the room and his laugh
always the loudest. Jack’s nieces and nephews have special
memories of their Uncle Jack, especially on the O’Keefe
Family Pub Crawls.
Resting at the Hennessey
Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home. Due to current restrictions a
funeral mass (by invitation only) will be held at the Church of the
Most Holy Redeemer and will be available for viewing via live stream
on Saturday, March 27th at 12:00 p.m. by
visiting Jack’s obituary at www.islandowned.ca and clicking on the link
provided.
If so desired memorial
contributions may be made to Diabetes Canada (PEI), the Provincial
Palliative Care Centre or a charity of the donor’s choice.
On-line condolences may be made ay
www.islandowned.ca.
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19452021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de The Honourable John Jack A O’Keefe QC Former Justice of the Federal Court of Canada 19452021..
Décès pour la Ville: Charlottetown, Province: I-P-E