Obituary of John MacDonald Keyes

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that the family of John MacDonald Keyes announces his peaceful passing on February 16, 2026. He spent his final days in the home he loved and with family by his side. John was the devoted husband and lifelong companion of Elizabeth Keyes (née Baldeo). Together they shared 45 years of marriage, built on a strong foundation of shared values and mutual support. He was the loving father of Christine Keyes and Greg Keyes, and the proud grandfather of Winter Radford, who brought immeasurable joy to his later years. John was a devoted husband and father who always put his family first.

John was predeceased by his parents, William and Flora Keyes (née MacDonald), and by his brother, Arthur Keyes. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Sylvia Keyes, and by his niece and nephew, Anne-Marie Keyes and Steven Keyes. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings-in-law: Krishne, Indre (late Annand), Rose, Arthur (Geeta), and Vishnu (Karlo), and their children, all of whom knew him as a steady, kind, and generous man.

John was a loving and supportive husband and father. A thoughtful and intelligent man, he carried his knowledge with quiet humility. Though naturally reserved, he had a dry, subtle wit that those close to him appreciated; often revealed a little more freely after a few glasses of red wine. John had a lifelong love of literature, art, education, and academic life. An outstanding student, he graduated at the top of his high school class and received several scholarships to support his post-secondary studies. He continued to win fellowships and awards during his University studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Assumption University of Windsor, a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Toronto.

John enjoyed a distinguished career as a tenured Professor of English at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), where he was respected for his scholarship and his commitment to teaching. Beyond the classroom, he was also a writer, publishing short stories in journals and contributing to literary collections over the course of his career. Upon retirement, he was honoured with the designation of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his lasting contributions to the academic community.

John’s Celebration of Life will be held at the home he shared with Elizabeth; a place filled with the books and artwork he loved and the view he cherished: blooming trees, cardinals and blue jays, and ships passing through the Welland Canal. The Celebration will be held this spring and the Keyes family will provide the Celebration details to those who knew him.

The Keyes family would like to thank the home care team and the ER staff at Niagara Health – Marotta Family Hospital for their compassion and care, and for helping ensure John’s passing was peaceful when the time came. While not expected, those who wish to honour John’s memory through a donation may consider contributing to Toronto Metropolitan University, directed to the Faculty of Arts – English Department Fund. Gifts that support students in accessing and pursuing higher education would also be a fitting tribute to the values he held dear and would reflect his lifelong dedication to scholarship, the arts, and education.