James Patrick Kehoe

Jim died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife Margaret Cornish Kehoe in Victoria after a lengthy struggle with throat cancer. Jim was born June 1, 1945 and raised in Rochester, New York. He is predeceased by his mother Dorothy, nee Nicol and father Eugene Kehoe as well as his sister, Nancy. He leaves his brother Eugene (Karen), sisters Pat (Phil), Karen (Ron) and brother Kevin (Karen); life-long friend and then brother-in-law of George Biggar and Mary Cornish; also Nancy Sidle (John), Chris Cornish (Deborah), and Sarah Worrell (Mark). Beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews and great nieces on both sides of these extended families.
Jim was a keen observer of life. His rapier wit was both insightful and good natured. He spent several years in the novitiate of the Basilian fathers studying chemistry, then became a student political activist in the 1960's where he met George Biggar and a raft of other activist friends. Jim married Margaret in 1982 a happy and fruitful partnership nourished by opposite temperaments and similar tastes and interests. Jim had a deep love of classical music; was widely read in politics and science. From student days Jim was active in the union movement committed to protecting the rights of workers first as a steward of the Canadian Rubber Workers Goodyear Plant in New Toronto rising to the presidency and then in his later role for many years as an Ontario Ministry of Labour health and safety inspector.
Jim was a superb cook. He and Margaret spent twenty years welcoming friends and family at the home they built north of Port Hope. They traveled widely in Europe and East Asia. Before retiring to Victoria, BC they lived in Beijing.
Donations, if desired, could be made with thanks to the Canada Cancer Agency, BC Cancer Agency (visit www.earthsoption.com) or your favourite charity.

Celebration of Life