Passed away peacefully in his 101st year at his home in Toronto, with his beloved wife Mary Mahoney by his side. He was predeceased by his first wife Evelyn Newell, sisters Patricia and Doreen, and is survived by his wife Mary, sons Patrick and Paul (Susan), daughter Christina and grandchildren Erica, Emily and Rachel.
Derek was educated at the Dominican College in Newbridge, County Kildare, where he completed his secondary education. Then, he joined a firm of accountants in Dublin as an articling clerk.
WWII interrupted his studies and when he was discharged from the RAF, he was able to complete his qualifications. He placed first in Ireland in his final exams and was awarded the Professional Institute’s Gold Medal for his honours standing.
Jobs were scarce after the war and a move to London gave Derek a welcomed position and work experience. While there, he met with a senior partner at Clarkson Gordon, then the largest accounting firm in Canada. He was soon offered a position in Canada, arriving in 1947 at Pier 21 in Halifax. He made his start at the head office on Wellington Street in Toronto.
In 1962, he moved into the industrial sector, joining John Inglis as financial controller. Several years later, he joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as a financial controller. In 1974, he was appointed a Senior Vice President of Administration, retiring from the Bank in 1980. Consulting assignments and Board Directorships followed including the Chairmanship of the Bianca Nazionale del Lavoro of Canada.
In the early 80’s, Derek worked for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto as Director of Finance. This period of his career brought him into contact with Cardinal Gerald Emmett Carter and Archbishop Leonard Wall, and he began a major involvement with Sharelife. Cardinal Carter was greatly concerned at that time about homeless, at risk youth in the city and partnered with Covenant House International in New York to establish Covenant House Toronto. The organization today is the largest programme in Canada serving homeless and trafficked young people. Charitable causes were important to Derek, especially Covenant House and the Cardinal invited him to be Chair of the Board of the organization when it opened in 1982. Other directorships included the St. Joseph Health Centre and the C.M. Hincks Treatment Centre. He was also involved in the formation of the Ireland Fund of Canada.
Derek was part of a formidable Archdiocesan team that organized the Papal Visit of John Paul II to Toronto in 1984, where despite inclement weather, the largest Mass of the Papal Tour was held at Downsview.
Derek and his wife Mary met in 1972 in Toronto and married several months later. They became partners in life in every way and shared everything. Derek was immensely proud of his wife and supported her in her highly successful business, the Irish Shop. They loved to travel and were able to maintain a strong connection to Ireland through frequent buying trips.
Derek was a man of integrity, a kind man, a man of great faith and strong values. He was an early feminist, who admired accomplishments of and encouraged, the talents of women. He was charming, likeable, impeccably dressed, a person of many interests with an astonishing memory and a wonderful host. He will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto on Thursday, December 15 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be sent in Derek’s memory to Covenant House or the Salvation Army.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Derek G Keaveney June 30 1922 – Dec 9 2022..
Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
My heartfelt sympsthy on the desth of dear Derek to all his family, his. sons Patrick. and Paul and daughter Christina. To his lovely wife Mary, I know how much you two were one and so the price you pay for love is great loss.
So happy we met and fond memories of Toronto, Dublin Belfast and Galway. He was always so generous and interested in my life, giving advice and friendship and love.
I will miss him but hope to be around for Mary.
Ni beith a leithead aris ann!
We will miss you Derek, beloved partner of Mary Mahony! You reformed Share Life among many community services!
Go nEiri Neamh leat! Beannacht!
Sincere condolences to you Mary and all the Keaveney family on the passing of Derek. May he rest in peace.
We just learned of his recent passing and are sorry to have missed the memorial service. Derek was truly a man for all seasons.
Michael Doyle & Orpah Jones, Toronto.
My deepest sympathy to all the family. Derek was such a fun, kind and generous man. I will remember him with great affection.
I was so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing, a life well lived though. As the SVP Administration, CIBC he hired myself and my twin brother Peter to work for CIBC in Toronto in 1975. A man who spoke his mind yet very easy to get along with, despite his natural Irish demeanour. He was well respected within CIBC and always approachable. My deepest condolances to all his family
Our deepest sympathy to Mary, Frances, Vincent and all extended family members on the death of Derek, a true gentleman.
Fond memories of meeting Derek on a number of his visits to Ireland when he and Mary spent time in Bullaun.
Fondly remembered now in our thoughts and prayers.
May Derek’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.
Mary, sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. His years were many, his love was great, and he
serviced his duties so well. May the caring thoughts of those who love you, comfort you at this time of sorrow. First time I met Derek, he was getting out of his jaguar at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital parking lot. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Sending blessings to you and the family from Nova Scotia.
Joan Nelson