08/11/2021
Fr. Jack McKeever has died in hospital following a short illness. He passed away on Sunday, October 31st, the day when this year the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of All Saints, a very fitting end to his 63 years of priesthood.
Fr John James McKeever was born in March 1933 in Co. Louth. He trained to be a priest in St Patrick’s Seminary, Thurles and was ordained on 15th June 1958. He started his priesthood in York before moving to work in a number of parishes in the diocese including Howden, Bridlington, St Pius X Park End, St Gabriel’s Ormesby and Ss. Joseph and Cuthbert in Loftus.
He was an avid sports fan and used to be a season ticket holder for The Boro, both at Ayresome Park and later at the new Riverside Stadium. However, his first love was horse racing and in his younger years used to travel all over the country to see the big races, The Cheltenham Gold Cup, Royal Ascot, The Derby at Epsom and the York Ebor. In old age he never lost his love of the sport but had to be content with having a flutter at the local betting shop and watching it on the television.
In retirement he was active in support of the local priests and parishes, especially here at St. Andrew's. I am sure we have all been grateful for his good humoured and unwavering help, support and encouragement.
In 2018 St. Andrew's Parish had the great honour of organising and hosting Fr. Jack's Diamond Jubilee, pictured above, which was attended by many parishioners from some of the parishes he had served and many of his fellow priests.
At the time of his death he had spent 63 years a priest including the last 12 years helping at St. Andrew's Parish during his retirement.
The last parish he served was Ss. Joseph and Cuthbert in Loftus from where he retired with his long serving housekeeper Philomena Oliver, first moving to Ormesby where Phil had a house. However, they struggled in the bad winter and icy roads on the estate up Ormesby Bank so they both moved to Normanby after Fr. Jack bought a property there.
Phil sadly died last year. Since then Frs. health had declined quite rapidly. However, in the last year, he had come to rely on, and appreciate, the practical help and support of a number of parishioners from St. Andrew's. We would like to thank them for their care and support, and to thank everyone who has kept Fr McKeever in their prayers.
As we pray for Fr McKeever’s soul let us thank God for his life’s work as a priest over 63 years. Could we also pray for his brothers and sisters and wider family in Ireland.
Fr. Jack's funeral will be held in Ireland on Monday, November 15th. RIP.
