Des McKenna
May-21-1950 - September-30-2025
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Karen Frohlich-Collins posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Judy and family, My sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts.
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Joseph Becker posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
My sincere condolences to the whole McKenna Family. Des was a wonderful and kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
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Karin Dodge posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Judy and family, our deepest condolences to all of you. May the many fond memories you hold close to your hearts help you through this difficult time. Kim and Karin Dodge
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Carol Mcrae posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Judy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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Solange and Jeff James posted a condolence
Monday, October 6, 2025
Judy.. thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace as you navigate your new journey. I didn’t spend much time with Des but I didn’t need to . His humor and young soul will fondly be remembered . My deepest sympathies to all those whose lives were deeply touched by his.
May he rest in peace
Solange and Jeff James
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Deborah Bowker posted a condolence
Monday, October 6, 2025
My deepest sympathies to Canice, Olga, and the entire
McKenna family on the loss of your loved one. Debbie Bowker
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Rose and Earl Willoughby posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Judy and Family.our heartfelt sympathy to you all at this difficult time. We always enjoyed visiting with Des when he would stop by the cottage and he always had quite the stories to share. He will certainly be missed at pike lake. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time,
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Jo-Anne & Doug Coutts posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Sincere condolences to you Judy and Family, I always remember the lads coming home from Mapleview with jokes/tricks that Des pulled on them. They spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get him back. Des could give it, and definitely could take it. Your family will be in our thoughts & prayers.
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Anne Kidner posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
I’m sorry to hear of Des’s passing. I supply taught for many years in his classroom at StJohn’s. And he always made me feel welcome when I was in the room next door. He was one of the good ones.
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Marilyn Haga posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Deepest sympathy to Judy Tricia Sarah and Marek. The antics of Des often became the amusing fodder of mealtime conversations back in the day. Reading all the wonderful amusing stories of Des certainly show the love and respect he was given and deserved. May the stories and memories bring smiles and comfort to all of you
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Keith Davidson posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
I always enjoyed curling with Des. He was a lovely man with a great sense of humour. Judy and family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Brian Peters posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Dear Judy and families,
Donna and I have been reading all the zany ‘Des stories’ from here in Toronto. We are thinking of you all. Des brought love, life, and laughter to the world. He was a well-respected teacher and legendary human being. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a skip in his step. He believed everyone deserved a fair shake in their education and that learning should never be dull, which is probably why I often looked out my office window to find his “history class” out on the ball diamond, with every student laughing and learning, wherever they were. One year, I asked him – on short notice – to fill in as vice-principal, and the students, who’d looked forward to him all summer, staged a full-scale revolt when they found out he wouldn’t be their teacher. I never heard the end of it. In his later years, I was impressed to see that he finally learned to cut in a straight line as a groundskeeper on the golf course (though his golf balls still preferred the scenic route sometimes). We will forever miss Des. He touched the hearts and souls of everyone he met.
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Joy (Laffin) Elkins posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Canice, JoAnn, Maureen, siblings and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother, Des. May his memories help through this sad time. My condolences ❤️
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Elaine Anderson posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Judy and family - So sorry to hear about Des. Always enjoyed his stories / jokes when he would cruising down the creek. He will be missed for sure. Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
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Bill Doyle Jr,. Shauna, Luke, Brenna posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Dear Judy, Tricia, Sarah, and Marek.
First I was taught by Des and then, twenty years later, I taught with Des. Amazingly, the experiences were much the same and the lessons learned were lasting. In his own whimsical way, he taught so much to so many of us. He showed us the importance of never taking yourself too seriously and, at the same time, prioritizing what is seriously important-family, friends, students, and community. Our own kids have been hearing Mr.McKenna stories for a few years now and his legacy will live on in so many ways and always with a smile...
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Angela & Allan Derbyshire posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
A wonderful teacher to both our boys Greg and Scott. A great neighbour, always had a joke to tell no matter what even if we had heard it before. His practical jokes were priceless. We will miss you Des. Our sympathies to Judy, Trisha, Sarah, Marek and families.
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Tammy Morrison posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Judy and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of great man. His light was bright and he will be missed by everyone he met! Andy and Tammy Morrison
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Patrick Sullivan posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
On behalf of all the Sullivan’s family whom most of us had the pleasure of being taught by Des, we offer our most sincere condolences to you all. He was a well respected man and anyone who knew him was fortunate.
May he rest in peace.
Paddy Sullivan
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Jackalin Ferguson posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Judy & family please accept my sincere condolences. Des was a warm, funny & fun loving man, loved by staff and students of St. John's. My son was fortunate to have him for a teacher, (one of his all time favourites). Des made each school day a great one. Close Enough Construction Crew was especially amazing. Des will always be remembered for being a special person.
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Timmy McNamee posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
I will be out of town for the funeral, but please know I would have attended if I had been home. Deepest sympathies to Judy and family. “Des” at Pike Lake or “Mr. McKenna” at school was surely one of an absolute kind. There is not one summer that went by during our childhood and growing up that we didn’t have a highlight, story, or joke from Des that we still tell to this day. Boy oh boy! Everytime the little green boat came out of the bay - we all ran down to Grandma and Grandpas cottage or picnic table to visit with Des. He made us happy and made us laugh. A lot. We looked forward to his humor or spontaneity and visits each summer. A treasure to be missed! He made a wonderful impact on those around him. With Pike Lake Forever. <3
- Timmy McNamee
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Robin Witt posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Judy and the family. Saddened to hear about our spunky & funny neighbour Des. Always ready for a chat or a joke or to lend a helping hand. We are very sorry for your loss.
Tony, Robin Witt and family.
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Pat Patterson posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Dear Judy and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Des’ passing. When I think of Des, I see a good man with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye! Thinking of you at this time and sending heartfelt sympathy.
Pat Patterson
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Bill Doyle posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Dear Judy & family and Des’ siblings and families,
We are all saddened to hear about Des.
A very common reaction/response with family,colleagues,friends and students is Des was truly one-of-a-kind.
His ‘signature’ playful,helpful approach to life and people made things lighter and brighter to so many.
In the days ahead when we think of Des what an uplifting way to remember him.
Bill and Judy Doyle and family
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Wanda & Dennis Cordick posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Judy and family. Wanda and I extend our sincerest condolences. Des was a very eastly like. Both our sons Denis and Steve, commented that Des was a great guy and an awesome teacher. God Bless.
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Beth McNally posted a condolence
Friday, October 3, 2025
Our deepest condolences Judy, Trish, Sarah, and Marek and families, Des (Mr. McKenna) was certainly a favourite teacher of so many of us at St. John's Elementary. He managed to build fun into many activities and cared about what made each student tick. Whether you got to help Tom Kerr, paint the school windows with Christmas decor, play floor hockey or any other of the myriad of sports he was organizing, or write or perform comedies and plays, school never seemed boring when you had Mr. McKenna for a teacher! I remember as students we always tried to trick him on April Fool's Day. We hoped we could get him good and the whole class would go in on it. I'm sure he saw right through us, or he was too busy devising his next ruse to trick the teachers. And Des always seemed to be on the move. He had energy for days! He will be missed. I hope he and my dad are now enjoying witter banter and having a grand time up there!
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Derek Kerr posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
We had many great teachers at St.John’s, but “Des” stands out as one of the best. No one could strike a balance between teaching and fun / laughs like he did. His many hours of coaching our sports teams was also a fond memory. As the eldest of three siblings, I couldn’t wait for their turn to experience Mr. McKenna! God Bless him…
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Christine McParland posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Mr. McKenna’s family and friends.
He was truly one of a kind — a remarkable teacher with a sense of humour like no other. There are certain educators who leave a lasting impression, and Mr. McKenna was undoubtedly one of them.
He had the rare gift of impacting generations — having taught both my husband and me, and later becoming an influential teacher to our son as well. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
Heaven has surely gained another angel.
Paul & Christine McParland
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Sue Hitchcock posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Tribute to Mr. McKenna
Mr. McKenna, I was lucky enough to be in your Grade 6 class when you first started teaching at St. John’s in Perth. I still remember the day you tripped over the kneeling bench and, to everyone’s shock, out came the “f” word. In that moment, we all knew—you were the coolest, hippest teacher at St. John’s.
I’ll never forget you hosting our class at your home on Pike Lake, water snakes and all. As the years went by, you became more than a teacher—you became a family friend. Mom and Dad so enjoyed your visits when you would come skimming across the lake to the O’Neil cottage.
I will always remember you for your love of teaching, your sharp wit, and your kindness. Heaven has gained not only an angel, but also an ongoing comedy act. You were the best, and I know you’ll keep them laughing.
With love and gratitude,
Sue Hitchcock (O’Neil)
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Hugh & Julie & Shayla McKenna uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 2, 2025
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We are heart broken for the loss of Des, we also would love to be there for all of you. Judy, Trisha, Sarah and Marek and family just know we are thinking of all of you ❤️ Des was a one of a kind, funny, gentle man who will be so missed by many. Rest in peace dear brother
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Cary Honeywell posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
I curled with and against Des at the Perth Curling Club. Carol and I send our deepest condolences the Judy and the family. He will be missed.
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Lee and Wendy Moncrieff posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Judy, Tricia, Sarah, Marek and families. Thinking of everyone at this time. Des was a great teacher admired and respected by his students and parents. Had lots of laughs with Des at parent teacher interviews and at the rink when the girls skated together. Still remember Des, Lee and Hugh McDougall running through the field in the middle of the night to find the buck I hit coming home from Kingston and the trophy Des made from my broken car parts. Hold all the good times close to your heart and talk often about your great husband, father and grandpa.
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Terry Hagan posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
So sorry for the loss of a great man. St Johns was a better place because he was there.
Many fond memories of floor hockey and baseball and everything in between.
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Nancy Maynard posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
My sincere condolences to your family.
I have many fond memories of Mr. McKenna as my grade six teacher. He was one of a kind <3
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Irene Hall Larocque posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Judy and family, so sorry to hear about Des. Always enjoyed meeting the two of you and chatting about your days at Sacred Heart in Lanark.
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Jim Buchanan posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
To Judy and family. So sorry to hear of Des’s passing. He was a great friend and we had so many laughs and good times. Never knew what he was going to do.
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Stephanie Lamb posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
So sad to say goodbye to Uncle Des, the OG storyteller and quintessential funcle. He will be so very missed.
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Joanne Finnegan posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Our sincere condolences to all family & friends of Des . He was a truly amazing teacher who helped all his students through his teaching. He will be greatly missed by everyone who has been involved with him . My girls especially liked his great ability to get them to learn from him . He had a unique personality! Praying for all at this sad time.
Joanne, Terry , Dana & Dawn Finnegan
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Butch Curran posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
My condolences to the McKenna family . I have known Des since we were kids playing minor hockey in Smiths .Des played for Merrickville and later my kids attended St.Johns
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Melinda Cerqua (Kirkham) posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
So so sorry to hear of Des’s passing. I always got such a kick out of him at hockey games and at figure skating events. He will be missed by so many. Thinking of you Judy, Trish, Sarah and Marek and your families during this difficult time.
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Kathy and Earl Devlin posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Des' passing. He was just a great guy, always smiling, always upbeat and a friend to many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends at this difficult time. Kathy and Earl Devlin
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Jeanne and Dale Nugent posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Dear Judy, Tricia, Sarah, Marek and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Des was a great friend, colleague and teacher. We will miss his enthusiasm for lots of fun and enjoyment.
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Cindy Coutts posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Thinking of you all. Mr. McKenna was one of a kind. He certainly will be missed.
Cindy (Corrigan) Coutts & Family
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Ann Buchanan posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Dear Judy, Trish, Sarah , Marek and families, I am so saddened by Des’ passing. He was my colleague and friend. I’ll always remember his smile and the many practical jokes he played on us. His students respected and liked him and he kept a firm hand on them in a loving way. Des, you will be missed but I’m glad u are no longer suffering. Blessings on Des and his loved ones.
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Joyce posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
My heartfelt condolences Judy and family. Des was a great guy. He brought laughter and great fun to every hockey game Marek and Andrew played those were great times.
May your memories of your time together bring you comfort at this time.
Joyce Kirkham and Family
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Christopher Cordick posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Des always made school fun, so many fond memories of so many floor hockey games in the St. John's gym! Rest in peace sir. My deepest condolences to his friends and family
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Steve Buchanan posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Dee was my favourite Teacher in Grade 8. The nicest funniest teacher ever! He will be sadly missed! My deepest condolences to his family on this terrible loss! RIP Des! Sending prayers for him and family! Steve ‘Bucky’ Buchanan
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Kevin Carnrite posted a condolence
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Sending my sincere condolences to all of Des' family. Played ball with Des for many years and truly enjoyed his sense of humour! Take care of each other at this difficult time.
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The family of Des McKenna uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 2, 2025
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