John Richard Killeen

 

John passed away peacefully on the morning of September 5, 2024. John passed in the comfort of his caregivers at his Catholic Social Services group home. Though confined to a wheelchair of late and experiencing declining health conditions, John continued to be a conversational and social person.

Predeceased by his parents, Ray and Eileen; and his sister Sharon, John will be remembered by the clients and staff at CSS as a long-term client of that organization. John will be thought of often by his brother, Michael, his wife Heather, and his nieces and nephews Tara, Amanda, Kelsey, Shayne, Brady, Connor, and Logan. John also had great-nieces Hailey, Isabella, Sofia, and great-nephews Chrisopher, Oliver, Liam and Miles.

Born in Vancouver on June 1, 1953, John was a typical child until around age 2 when he was inflicted with spinal meningitis. After this event and many years later, John attended a special education classroom at Central School in Red Deer. Life in group home settings coupled with vocational training programs meant John struggled with many social and academic challenges his whole life. Despite these difficulties, John loved his family and embraced life with grit and determination. John always wanted to be an active participant in anything that came up.

John especially loved to travel with his family on summer vacations. Many of these trips involved “trailering” with an RV to places such as Fairmont, Radium, Revelstoke, Kelowna, Penticton, Victoria, Spokane just to name a few. John loved the mountains and meeting any extended family who might come to visit Alberta. The annual exhibition and fair were a constant source of joy and something for John to look forward to each year. Some of his fondest memories were staying the weekends at either Pine or Sylvan lake in the family trailer. Collecting postcards and souvenirs from places visited was a favorite pastime for John. He was known by nearly all the bus drivers in Red Deer as he would travel the various routes and go to the malls or downtown stores in search of music or treats. John was a conversationalist and enjoyed meeting people. John was and will continue to be a source for optimistic thinking when we, who experience much less significant challenges, need encouragement.

Our family is exceedingly grateful to Catholic Social Services for the many years of care and positive regard they had given to John. Rest in peace John and may our Father in Heaven accept you into His keeping. We love you John and know that you will be at peace and made whole.

A funeral service will be held on September 17, 2024, at the Eventide Funeral Home 4820 45 St, Red Deer. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with a graveside service to follow. All who had the opportunity to get to know John are welcome.

Condolences can be left at eventidefuneralchapels.com

• Date : 2024-09-05
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home