We regret to announce the passing of James “Jim” Gerard McKeown at St. Michael’s Palliative Care, after a short battle with cancer, at the age of 72 years.

Jim is survived by his wife Rita nee Kiss; sons Ryan McKeown, Rory McKeown; brother Johnny (Siobhan) McKeown; loving sister Patricia McKeown; nieces Catherine McKeown and Michelle Millar as well as several grandchildren.

Jim is predeceased by his parents James and Claire McKeown; sister Mary McKeown; nephew Ian “Jack” McKeown; brother-in-law Des Halpenny as well as many close friends.

Jim was born February 19, 1953, in Middletown, Northern Ireland to James and Claire McKeown. He moved to Newry at the age of 10 and enjoyed hurling, rugby and gaelic football. In 1974 he immigrated to Toronto, Canada and later to Lethbridge, where he met his future wife Rita Kiss. Jim began working for Alberta Environment as a draftsman and later worked on several projects in Southern Alberta as a project manager. He enjoyed working and also the friendships he made with many. He loved golf and fishing, but his true passion was rugby, which he played for many years at several clubs both in Ireland and Canada. Some of these clubs included, Lethbridge Rugby Club, Queens University, Newry Highschool, Newry Rugby Club, Toronto Irish, Calgary Hornets as well as the Vancouver Rowing Club and UBC.

Jim liked to travel various destinations including Europe, Hawaii, Vancouver and California. A highlight was a recent trip in 2023, with his wife Rita to New Jersey and New York City.

Jim loved Canada but he never forgot his Irish roots.

At Jim’s request there will be no formal service.

A Memorial Viewing will be held at 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.