April 16, 1924 ~ January 10, 2021 (age 96)
It is with broken hearts that the family of Colin Keen announce his passing on January 10, 2021 in his 97th year.
During World War II, Colin served as part of the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment of the 52nd Lowland Division. He landed at Arrowmanches in Normandy and fought his way up the French/Belgium coast and was part of Operation Market Garden, the attempt to cross the Rhine with airborne forces. He went on to participate in the liberation of the Netherlands and eventually entered German defeating the last Nazi forces.
After the war, Colin moved from England to Canada and settled in Hornepayne, Ontario.
He was employed by CN for 33 years as an engineer and it was while he was on his regular run to Nakina, Ontario that he met the love of his life, Jean.
Colin and Jean were married for 63 years and raised three children. The family had many adventures together but the special memories were made with relatives and friends at the cottage that Colin built on Nagagamisis Lake. He was an avid curler, loved golf, sailing and gardening and his rhubarb was legendary. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion in both Hornepayne and Meaford.
Colin leaves behind his beloved Jean, his children Sharon (Robert), Gord (Judy) and Shelley, his grandchildren Sarah (Scott), Kaitlin, Emily (Jody), Alex (Katie), Peter (Laura), Brent (Alexis), Alexandria (Harry), Brooke (Ryan), Ben. He also leaves his great grandchildren Aspen, Carling, Riley, Reese, Kacie, Andy, Evelyn, Rosie, Aaden and Tristan. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life and he loved cuddles and hugs more than anything.
All that knew Colin will miss his amazing hugs, compassion and ability to embrace life to its fullest.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 194 (Hornepayne), St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Hornepayne or Hospice Georgian Triangle – Campbell House Palliative Residence, Collingwood.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life and internment will be held at a later date, post-Covid.
