Appreciations
News
Justin Keating
The late Justin Keating, son of artist Sean Keating, was laid to rest in the snow covered soil of his beloved Kildare on Tuesday, January 5th, following his sudden death on New Year's Eve.
Justin was a much loved and well-known figure within ESB from his attendance at various functions celebrating the works of his late father, Sean Keating, who was the renowned artist during the construction of the Shannon Scheme.
His family, close relatives and a wide circle of friends and colleagues celebrated his life and achievements at a Humanist commemoration at his home in Bishopland, Ballymore-Eustace, close to Poulaphouca.
Justin studied veterinary science in UCD, obtained a master's in University of London and was appointed to a lectureship in Trinity College. His work as a veterinary surgeon and educator took him into the newly established Telifis Eireann, where his programme for farmers introduced entirely new standards of agricultural instruction and demonstration.
Justin was one of a generation of academics in the Labour Party and held the Industry&Commerce portfolio in the coalition cabinet of 1973-1977. While still in cabinet he developed Paget's Disease, a progressively destructive and painful bone condition, which he had battled for 30 years. He had a tremendous interest in art, film, music, antiques, cookery, local craftwork and of course his huge contribution to the national debate particularly in relation to a sustainable environment. He held a special love for his farm in Ballymore, an area close to where his mother May was born. Always close to her (a radical activist to whom he credited with giving him his love of art and politics).
Justin chose burial rather than cremation so that he could resume the cycle he so often spoke of. Tributes came from every spectrum of Irish public life and every corner of the land.
The commemoration, which included tributes from his wife, Barbara Hussey, and all of his three children and grandchildren, was a tribute truly befitting for a man larger than life who bore his cross of illness and pain amazingly. May he sleep in peace.
Charlie Dean
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Charlie Dean on Wednesday, December 30th last. Charlie passed away in his 103rd year and was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edith, in 1972. Charlie celebrated his 100th birthday on 28th July 2007 and was visited by Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, at his home where he was still residing on his own and amazingly doing a bit of gardening and driving to do his weekly shopping. His birthday was marked by a number of celebrations with family, ex ESB colleagues and neighbours. Enjoying good health up to a short time ago, Charlie had moved into Marley Nursing Home after a minor health scare. An architect by profession, he joined ESB in 1942 and headed up Premises Section, Civil Works where he was responsible for the design of staff houses in the 50's and 60's as well as the various transformer stations. Charlie retired from ESB in 1972. In his lifetime he had been the proud owner of 49 different cars and would regale friends with stories of life in Dublin during the time of the 1916 Rising and other major events. Charlie was a thorough gentleman, a fountain of knowledge and a testament of his popularity was that old friends from his time in ESB continued to visit him in Dublin where they would enjoy many a entertaining lunch out, up to just a couple of years ago.
Charlie had completed an interview with ESB Archives just shortly before he passed away and thankfully enjoyed good health up to recent times. Charlie's funeral took place over the New Year and he was laid to rest at Bohernabreena Cemetery. We extend deepest sympathy to his sons Clive, Neil and Conor, daughtersin- law Joan and Anne, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May he rest in peace.
