KEOWN: The death of Clifford A. Keown of Brandon occurred Sunday, February 13, 2000 at the Assiniboine Centre. Clifford was born at Boissevain, Manitoba on December 30, 1923, son of Margaret and Robert Keown; one of eleven children. Clifford started his schooling at Hiawatha while living on the Hopwood farm and then at Brownlea while living on the Armstrong farm. His education continued in Boissevain and then at Primrose, at which time his family lived on the Welch farm. Over the years, Clifford worked for various farmers. He started working with Arthur and Eileen and then helped at home on the Welch farm until 1942; followed by a job on the Tweedie farm between 1942 and 1947. Clifford was then employed with a lumber mill in British Columbia (fall/winter of 1947) and returned to Manitoba to work on Earl Mains' farm for the summer of 1948. Clifford spent the next few years employed in various jobs which included: the C.P.R. in Boissevain (1949); Pool Elevator in Fairfax (1950); winter of 1951 to 1952 was spent working in Ontario; followed by McCabe Elevator in Boissevain (1953). He then accepted a position with the Highways Department in September 1953 and continued to work there until his retirement on May 15, 1984. Clifford married Jeannine Gastonguay on October 20, 1956 in Elgin, Manitoba at St. John's Anglican Church. On September 2, 1957 they moved to Brandon. Clifford's greatest joy was the accomplishments of his family. He kept a journal which he wrote in daily. He had a love for horses and enjoyed gardening, playing cards, dancing, and harness racing. He also enjoyed the camaraderie with co-workers at the Department of Highways. Clifford is survived by his wife, Jeannine and three sons: Brian (Debbie) of Brandon and their children, Sherry (Denis) Fontaine, Steven and Tony; Keith (June) of Calgary and their daughter Samantha; and Lawrence (Carla) of Brandon. Also surviving are: sister, Eileen Wright of Brandon; brothers: Howard (Marian) of Souris, Fred (Marj) of Mission, BC, and Doug (Bernice) of Minnedosa; sister-in-law Gwen of Winnipeg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Clifford was predeceased by his parents Margaret (nee Lightfoot) in 1948 and Robert Winfred Keown in 1956; brothers and sisters: John (1944 in action), Lauretta Sadler (1946), Melvin (1966), Bernice McCallum (1979), Vera (1983) and Robert (1995). Funeral Service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North, Thursday February 17, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be: Mark Keown, Steven Keown, Tony Keown, Lyndon Boychuk, Brent Nicholls and Scott Templeton. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Clifford may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon, R7A 2W8. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.
You were always there
when we needed you,
No task too great or small,
With a loving heart,
And a willing hand,
For us you did it all.
Thanks for the years
You gave us,
and for the times we shared,
We only pray that when you left us,
You knew how much we cared.