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