Obituary of Andrew McKeown "Hugh"

Peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario on Friday November 26, 2021 at the age of 80 years. Hugh, beloved husband of Judy McKeown (nee McVeigh) of Keswick. Loving father of Christopher McKeown of Manitoulin Island, Erin (Lee Jarvis) of Uxbridge, Cathy (Bernie Muscat) of Ridgeway, Jennifer (Late Allen Munro) of Calgary, Deanna Justice of Calgary and the Late Mark and his surviving wife Wanda McKeown of Lindsay. Cherished grandfather of Hunter (Coby Gardner), Mathison, Kyle, Daniel, Isabel, Danielle (Andrew McCafferty), Kara (Ian Visser), Janel, Frank, Ashley and great-grandfather of Jack, Aaden and Kaycee. Dear brother of Brian McKeown (Gail) of St. Catherines and uncle of Michele (Dave Moore) and Tiffany McKeown. Hugh McKeown quietly passed away on November 26, after a life marked by kindness, generosity, and the championing of race relations. “Hugh dedicated his professional career to education. His love of teaching was followed by 17 years, as Principal at a number of challenging elementary schools with the North York Board of Education. As a leader, Hugh   was creative, innovative and cared about all his students and staff. He sought quality in all he pursued and it was reflected in student outcome and performance. During his time with  the Board, Hugh also spent time at  the Ministry of Education to support the legislation for the English as a Second Language and the  teaching of international languages in Ontario schools. It is unavoidable to note his dedication to race relations. He believed in it as a human rights anchor, wrote policy and delivered programs. In 1998, Hugh pursued his passion for international education by relocating to Hong Kong, China, working with both the Canadian Overseas International College and Bond Education Group. Returning to Ontario in 2006, Hugh spent the remainder of his career as a consultant, working with schools on improvements and strategies for programming and the recruitment of international students. In Hugh’s personal life, his family and his friends meant the world to him and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. Hugh will be dearly missed by all. Special thanks to doctors Farid Kakavand, Suzanne Trudel, doctors, nurses and volunteers at Princess Margaret Hospital and Southlake Regional Health Centre, for of their wonderful care and support. The family will receive friends at the M.W. Becker Funeral Home 490 The Queensway South Keswick, Ontario on Friday December 3, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Covid Protocols in place. Social distancing, contact tracing and wearing of masks are mandatory). A Private Funeral Service (family only) will take place on Saturday December 4, 2021 at 11:00 am. In memory of Hugh donations to The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Sign an online book of condolences at mwbeckerfuneralhome.com.