Obituary of Arnold McKee
Dr. Arnold Francis McKee passed away peacefully on the morning of April 29 in Marian Villa at age 87. Born in Petone, New Zealand his school years at Saint Patrick's Silverstream College run by the Marist Fathers marked him deeply. He came to Paris to complete graduate studies at La Sorbonne where he came under the influence of Jacques Maritain. Always an avid cellist, he attended master classes run by Paul Bazelaire where he met Christiane Dauchez whom he considered a "real musician"and married in 1955. They had four children: Fr. Francis McKee (Jesus Light of the World Parish in Montreal) Sister Kathy (Little Sisters of Jesus, Rome), Jim (living in London with wife Mary) and Barb (living in Ireland with husband Albert). He was very proud of his grandchildren: Claire, Jonathan, Catriona, Michelle, Katie,.Dominique, Daniel, Anna and Colette. Having arrived in Canada in 1961, he taught economics at Laurentian University before coming to King's College, London where he served as principal from 1971-76. A man of deep faith, his life and work revolved around his desire to serve God with his talents. He always sought to link the problems of economics with the transformation of the human person. All systems fail, if the human heart, which devises the system or works within it, is not moved by virtue, beauty and a deep search for truth. The transformation of social structure, he insisted, started with the inner transformation of the human person. At retirement he became an active member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Birthright as well as playing for many years with the London Community Orchestra. He will be sorely missed by his family, but the faith which he held so strongly, encourages us to recognize that he has simply returned to his true home. Visitation at the John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street will be held on Wednesdsay, May 8 from 6-9pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Michael's Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, on Thursday May 9 at 10am. Interment in St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate that donations be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
