Gerard Michael O'Keefe

April 23, 1931 - December 30, 2021
Gerard Michael O'Keefe (90) of Ocean Park, B.C. passed on December 30th, 2021 peacefully at home of natural causes, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Kill, Castlecomer, Kilkenny, Ireland on April 23, 1931, Gerry spent the early part of his life between Kilkenny & Dublin. As a young man, Gerry sang tenor roles & traveled with Our Ladies Choral Society, attended college, and played sports.
After beginning a banking career with the Bank of Ireland, he immigrated to Canada in 1957 to pursue more opportunities. In Canada he continued his successful career until he retired from the HSBC as AVP of Branch Development.
Gerry's passions included his family, exercise, music, poetry, and community. A family man, supporting & loving his family were core values. Gerry loved sport and when he could no longer run or kill it on the squash court, he cycled around White Rock in his black & amber shorts. He sang with the choir at Good Shepherd Church, at recitals, and many Irish parties and social events.
Gerry joined various organizations over the years including the Lions, Elks, Kwomais, and Crescent Housing.
He was involved in the art initiative for the Whaling Wall, and named the Semiahmoo Mall in White Rock. A founding member of the Irish Club of White Rock, he was president for several years and helped to start Irish Language classes (Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann).
Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Doreen; his children: Colleen (Hans), Kathleen, Shannon (Frank), and Sean; his sister, Noreen O'Keefe, and 12 grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his sisters ( Maura & Francis ) and brothers ( Patrick & Edward ) and son-in-law, Hans.
A much-loved husband, father, grandfather & friend, he was a gentleman until the end.
A mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in White Rock on April 8 at 2 pm. A reception will follow at The Elks Club in White Rock at 3:30.