Known as Father Keyes at the home and Father Ed to his family, the retired priest smiles at the thought of celebrating his 60th anniversary in two days. He was ordained in Kingston with five other men on May 26, 1957.

“There was six of us ordained that day,” he confirms. “We had to go to the community centre to fit everyone.”

Born in Gananoque, Father Keyes quickly became a popular spiritual leader, serving at four area parishes before he retired.

“I enjoyed all of the parishes I was in,” he says softly about his service in Lanark, Cardinal, Picton and Westport.

Blessed with humility and grace, Father Keyes can’t, or won’t, brag; despite his success in building new parish halls in Lanark and Cardinal. His words are steeped in gratitude for the opportunities he received when he was younger and the comforts he’s enjoying in retirement. He is a living example of commitments matching convictions.

“He’s a very kind, warm and wonderful man,” says Pat McMenemy about Father Ed. “But he’s also serious about his religion.”

Only eight years old at the time of her uncle’s ordination, the 68-year-old still remembers the fancy dresses worn by the women at the Catholic ceremony.

“That was the biggest ordination they ever had. It was a big deal,” she confirms.

In town to celebrate her uncle’s milestone, Pat has helped plan a mass and reception at St. John’s Church on May 27, followed by a family dinner.

“He’s always held a very special place in our family,” says Pat with pride about her uncle who was one of eight children. “We felt extremely honoured to have a priest in our family. It has been a gift to have one of our own preside at so many of our marriages, baptisms and burials.”

“He is a man of faith and commitment to the church,” adds John Mark Keyes, Pat’s cousin and Father Ed’s nephew. “He also reconnected us with family in Ireland.”

Asked to describe their uncle, Pat is the first to reply.

“I think his humility is remarkable. He served at country churches. He loved the ordinary man. I don’t think he had any ambitions to be a bishop. I just know he did very well ministering small communities. He was very happy to serve.”

“He loved golfing,” adds John Mark. “And he was the source of many newspaper columns by a friend who marveled at our uncle’s foibles, including his ability to lose stuff.”

“He was always a happy guy,” adds Pat fondly. “I don’t think he had any regrets about the path he chose in life.”

Grateful for the family that is going to gather around him soon, Father Keyes smiles when asked if he is enjoying his retirement after caring for, and comforting, the people in his charge for decades.

“I’m very happy here,” he admits from a rocking chair in the home’s front lobby. “I go for my daily walks and help with mass on Sunday. I’ll be here until the good Lord takes me.”

Carveth Care Centre would like to congratulate Father Keyes on his 60th anniversary. You served your communities well and we’re honoured to have you as a member of our lodge family.