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Raymond “Paul” McKeown passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9th at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg. Paul was a caring and generous brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend who will be missed by many.
Paul was born in Owen Sound, Ontario, on May 28th, 1944, to the late Raymond and Kay McKeown. He will be remembered by his sister, Janet MacLeod, his niece Breanna MacLeod along with her husband Darcy Phipps, and their daughters, Paul’s great-nieces Moira MacLeod and Agatha Phipps, Paul’s great-nephew Austin Bryan, and the wider extended family of McKeown and Hawton descendants.
Paul will be missed by his close and dear friends Suzanne Tilley (and her children Olivia and Grayson) and Danny Wendorf (with his partner Tammie Page and children Samantha Patricia Howe and Adam Wendorf).
Known for his business savvy and friendly manner, Paul spent his early banking career in Owen Sound, Hanover, and across Ontario, with Victoria and Grey Trust before landing in Cobourg with National Trust as Bank Manager. Paul was busy in the Cobourg community and, never quite content with retiring, owned and managed several businesses over the years – Tangles Hair Salon, Big Lake Boats, and most recently McLean Chimney Co. You could often find him at his favourite local spot, Kelly’s Homelike Inn, enjoying the company of friends, or at home with his dog (Sampson in Cobourg and earlier at his many other homes with Bear).
He struggled recently with his health after a stroke, but was supported by family and friends. Dorland Walford was unwavering in his attempts to lift Paul’s spirits, often tempting Paul back to Kelly's Homelike Inn for a drink with friends. Brian Tutton and Lynne Leroy worked to get Paul out for rides in his beloved Camaro. Pat Baggaley’s unceasing friendship ensured Paul never got too scruffy behind the ears. Dick Kestner kept checking in on his life long buddy, making Paul grin ear to ear when he called.
His family are particularly grateful for the efforts of Paul’s closest support network - Suzanne Tilley, Danny Wendorf, Evangeline (Denny) Warner, and Rita Rowell – whose support and affection for Paul were a huge part of his well being and comfortable passing. The work of the NHH Staff on 2A and Rehab is also greatly appreciated.
A celebration of memory for Paul will be held at Kelly’s Homelike Inn in the near future. Paul’s remains will be interred in Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery with his parents. In lieu of flowers, individuals wishing to express their condolences may choose to make donations to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation, Cobourg, Ontario.
Our sincere condolences to Paul's family. Paul was my manager in Peterborough and we became friends in addition to coworkers. My wife Jamie and I reconnected with Paul when we were living in Cobourg and had some good times at the yacht club and Kelly's. We enjoyed his company, the stories and lots of laughs. Paul was genuine in every way. Rest in peace Paul.
Myself and Trevor Hook will always miss you as you were always so good to us. Very sad to hear this sad news of his passing.
My sincere condolences to Paul's loved ones, I was saddened to hear of his stroke and passing. He was my Manager at National Trust for years. He always had a smile, his shirt tail was often untucked as the day wore on but he was a genuine individual, a good manager with a kind heart. Rest in Peace Paul
My Condolences. Paul was a great guy. I knew Paul when he first came to Cobourg. Awesome Bank manager and all around great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Condolences to Paul’s family and close friends He was my first manager , learned a lot from him, and those days in Hanover . He was tough, very fair with me , I appreciated that.
Paul was a terrific manager at National Trust while in Peterborough. He was well known to seal a deal with a handshake over a pint; always true to his word. He urged me to start my career with the bank for which I will be forever grateful. My thoughts go out to his family and close friends.
I had the privilege of knowing Paul for just over 12 years, I referred to him as the “Curmudgeon of Cobourg” which always made him laugh. He had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew him.
Elizabeth Park - Aug 16 2021 To everyone who knew and loved Paul my sincere condolences, he was a very special friend to one of my dearest friends, he will be greatly missed, rest easy Paul
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My condolences to Suzanne,Dan,Janet and their respective families. I met Paul shortly after relocating to Cobourg in 2008 and began a very close friendship sharing our love of boating and classic cars and Kelly’s. We made several trips to the Woodward Dream Cruise with the guys and once just the two of us in the Camaro for what would be his final time. He was a unique and generous individual RIP Paul
Suzanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend
My condolences to Paul’s family and friends! I will remember Paul as a kind, generous man who was like a father figure to one of my best friends Suzanne Tilley. Paul, I hope you’re enjoying a rum and coke where you are and I imagine you’ll be a guardian angel to those who were dear to you here on earth. ❤️
My husband and I met Paul through my brother in law, Dick Kestner. Living in Cobourg, we enjoying seeing Paul on several occasions and would have a great chat whenever we were in his company at Kelly’s. Fond memories.
We will miss Paul's smiling face. He was such a character and was always up for a good chat. He was our friend. We have so many memories of Paul, many of them that cause us to remember him with a chuckle (and sometimes a headshake!!) . He was so proud of his family and the friends he considered his family. Rest in peace, Paul. We will always remember you, our dear friend.
I was saddened to hear of Paul's stroke and passing. My condolences to Paul's family and friends.
I had only met Paul on a few occasions, he was a very close friend and like family to my friend Suzanne, I know he will be missed so very much by her and her children. My condolences to all his family and friends. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about the loss of Paul. He was a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to have as a friend.
We will remember Paul with smiles on our faces. He was truly a fun, caring man. I do remember the Vic Grey days and parties at Jim Burnett’s office parties and Paul’s love of old cars. Our condolences to his family.
Suzanne, Danny and Families, We were saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We are sending our deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. He will be missed. Sincerely, Danny and Sylvia
I got to know Paul a few years ago through a good friend.He sponsored my swim across Rice Lake for MD and I helped him paint one of his investment properties for a day. It was a good trade off and a fun day. Paul was a fun loving generous man and I enjoyed sharing a few beverages with him on occasion. Rest in peace Paul.
We’re so sorry for your loss, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Paul was certainly a bright light in the many years I worked and knew Paul. We have many fond memories of time spent with Paul in Hanover and Peterborough.
Janet & family We have lots of memories golfing with Paul & Donnie.... also having a beverage on Paul's boat.. Thinking of you and hoping you find comfort in your special memories
Janet and family - sending our sincere condolences on Paul's passing.
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was my boss at National Trust and was one of the best bosses I ever had. Everytime we met he would tell everyone around about the cake I made him for his 50th birthday. Let's just say it was a good one and funny. You will be sadly missed.
Words can’t describe how much you mean to me, Sam & Dad. You did more for us than anyone could ever imagine & I’ll forever be great full for that. I’ll forever cherish all the wisdom & memories we’ve shared over my life time together & you’ll never be forgotten. You’re the best thing that’s ever come into our life & you were such a great role model & left such a good impact on our lives & It’s never going to be the same with out you. No matter what happened through thick or thin, you were always there for us & you always wanted us to have the best life possible. & I’ll always love you for that. My thoughts are with Janet & her family. Rest in Paradise Uncle Paul.