KEANE, JOHN DIXON (1886-1948)

KEANE, JOHN DIXON, teacher, principal of Harkins Academy, 1915-19, vice-rector of St Thomas College, and Catholic parish priest, Douglastown, 1937-48; b. Nordin, 18 Dec 1886, s/o Patrick Keane and Mary Green; ordained 1923; d. Edmonton, Alta, 9 Jan 1948.

John D. Keane received his secondary schooling at Harkins Academy and acquired a 1st class superior teacher's license before he joined the Harkins staff in 1906 as teacher of the advanced department. In 1910 he left to attend St Francis Xavier University, where he took the lead "in every phase of the intellectual life" of the college. During each of three years he won the gold medal for the highest academic standing, and he was the valedictorian of his class when he graduated with his BA in 1913. The Xaverian noted admiringly that he possessed "the saving grace of humor, that rich humor of his race, and when he wished to exert himself in that direction, he was as entertaining a companion as could be found."

In 1915 Keane returned to Harkins as principal. He was effective and popular in the position but resigned again in 1919 and enrolled in St Augustine's Seminary in Toronto to train for the priesthood. After his ordination in 1923 he was appointed to the teaching staff of St Thomas College. A few years later he was made vice-rector and prefect of studies. He was a leading member of the college staff for fourteen years, while also serving as a supply priest at different times at Douglastown, Bartibog, and elsewhere in the diocese. In collaboration with Father James M. Hill and others, he played an important part in the 1930s in introducing the Co-operative movement to the Miramichi and surrounding districts. Because he could "preach, lecture, sing, or recite beautiful poetry," he was exceptionally popular as a public speaker and performer.

In 1937 Keane was named parish priest at Douglastown. While holding this appointment he also sat for a time on the board of governors of St Thomas. He was still the priest at Douglastown when he died, at sixty-one years of age, while visiting a brother in Edmonton.