Obituary of Arthur James O'Keefe

“Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I miss you until we meet again.” It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Arthur O’Keefe on July 12, 2024, age 85. Art is predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years Elsie, his parents, Arthur Sr. and Philomena, his son Shawn, brother Bill, sister Mary Greene and her husband Ed, mother and father- in-law Elsie and Joseph Greene, and step-grandson Matthew Glover. Leaving to mourn his devoted children Michelle (David Glover), Yvonne (Fintan Mullaley), Juanita and Scott, his sister and best friend Loretta (Frank Nash deceased), and sister-in-law Bride. Also leaving to mourn his grandchildren whom he loved dearly Dan, Stephen, Erin, Vicky, Andrea, Zack, Lori and Conor, precious great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended members of the O’Keefe and Greene families. We cannot forget to mention his Table Buddies with whom he had many colourful conversations and cups of tea. A special thank you to Leo, Geraldine, Leanne and Daryll for being so good to Dad. Art grew up in Bond’s Path and attended St. Edward’s School in Placentia. At the age of seventeen he went to work at the Navy Exchange in the US Naval Base Argentia for thirty-four years where he received many commendations. Upon the closure of the Base Art enrolled and excelled in a business course at the College of the North Atlantic. Art was a man of great faith and a life long, devoted servant of Sacred Heart Parish. Art was dedicated to his community and was involved in many organizations. For many years he was a Captain in the 2558 Army Cadet Corps, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 33, the Placentia Historical Society, and the Placentia Library Board. Art was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed fishing and hunting in his back-country cabin with his many friends, especially his buddy and nephew Rodney Nash. A special thank you to CareGivers over the past two years, especially Debbie Short (whom he considered another daughter),Gladys and Emily. Thank you to the excellent care he received during his brief stay from the staff at the Beachside Manor. A special word of thanks to the doctors and nurses who treated Art with such compassion and provided exemplary care during his stay at the Placentia Health Centre. We also appreciate their attention to his family members. Thank you to Power’s Ambulance and all their wonderful paramedics who came to Art’s assistance many times with such professionalism and compassion. Art will be resting at Coombs Funeral Home on Sunday, July 14, from 2 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial to take place Monday, July 15, at St. Anne’s Church, Dunville, at 10:30 A.M. Internment to follow at Coombs Memorial Cemetery, Southeast. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations can be made to the Kidney or Diabetes Foundations **Funeral Mass is live streamed... click on the link Livestreaming..to view the Funeral Mass**