Colin Robert McKeown

It is with great sadness we announce that our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, Colin McKeown, has made his final journey home where he will eternally cast for fish in the waters of heaven. Colin passed away on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 in the intensive care unit of the Ottawa General Hospital, after a long and courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and minister on his passage home. 

Survived by his loving wife and best friend of 36 years, Heather McKeown (née Lonsway). Cherished father of daughter Jenna and son Corey, of Ottawa. Also survived by his dear sisters Abby Nakhaie (Reza) and Rose Michaud (Claude). He will be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and extended relatives. Predeceased by his parents Robert (2011) and Elizabeth (2012) McKeown. 

Colin was born in Kitchener-Waterloo on February 5th, 1960. Colin had an eclectic career, beginning with working in car dealerships, which was fitting given his lifelong love of automobiles. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982 and served proudly as a naval officer until he retired in 2003. During his naval career, he served in the Persian Gulf War (1991) and peace keeping mission in Cambodia (1993). 

After retiring from the military, Colin transitioned into television production with the creation of his company, JenCor Entertainment. He turned his passion for fishing into the longest running fly fishing show in Canada, The New Fly Fisher, which continues to be produced after 24 years. He also had a number of successful military productions and loved to use his production skills to help out church, friends, and family. Colin was an active member of the Ottawa Fly Fishers Society and at one time served as President. He believed in the healing power of fly fishing and supported many causes such as Casting for Recovery (for breast cancer survivors) and Healing Waters (for military members). 

Colin had a knack for storytelling and was a genuine and kind person, making connections with everyone he met. Whether he knew you for years or a short while, he made every individual feel important and valued. Colin was known for his incredible sense of humour and frequent witticisms. He was a fully involved parent, and loved supporting his children through volunteer work such as coaching, car pooling and hockey convenor. His family feels truly blessed to have had him as a husband and father.

The McKeown family would like to give a very special thanks to the medical team in London at the London Health Sciences Centre, including Dr. Laidley, Dr. Tsvetkova, Sarah DeBrabandere and Craig Johnson. Additional thanks to his local oncologist, Dr. Michael Vickers and family doctor, Dr. Carolyn Snelling, and steadfast nurse, Dawn Molot. His family would like to give deep felt thanks to the nurses and doctors of Unit 6 West and Intensive Care at the Ottawa General Campus, for their care and support during Colin's final weeks; with a very special thanks to ICU nurse Michelle, who went above and beyond to provide tender love and care to Colin and family in his final hours. The McKeown family would also like to thank their church family at St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Stittsville for their prayers and support, and express their gratitude for the ongoing spiritual care provided by Rev. Doug Kendall throughout this journey. Colin deeply appreciated the connections he made in the local CNets Support Group over the past years.

The McKeown family will be welcoming family, friends and colleagues of Colin at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Stittsville, Ontario for visitation on Friday September 27th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 28th at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, with reception to follow. All are welcome to the interment at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa at 3:00 pm on September 28th. Fellow fly fishers are invited to bring their favourite fly to the visitation or service to be included in a memory board to honour Colin and join him at his final resting place.

In kindness and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Neuroendocrine Society at: cnets.ca

We ask that any guests who are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of illness refrain from attending services in person. The service will be live-streamed (link below). Your understanding and support during this time means a great deal to our family.