Wilbert Keon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilbert Keon
OC OOnt
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|---|---|
| Senator for Ottawa, Ontario | |
| In office September 27, 1990 – May 17, 2010 |
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| Nominated by | Brian Mulroney |
| Appointed by | Ray Hnatyshyn |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Wilbert Joseph Keon
May 17, 1935 Sheenboro, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | April 7, 2019 (aged 83) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Occupation | heart surgeon, researcher |
Wilbert Joseph Keon (May 17, 1935 – April 7, 2019) was a famous Canadian doctor. He was a skilled heart surgeon and a researcher. Dr. Keon also served for many years as a Canadian senator.
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About Wilbert Keon
Wilbert Keon was born in Sheenboro, Quebec. He studied science at St. Patrick's College, Carleton University. Later, he earned his medical degree from the University of Ottawa.
His Medical Career
After finishing his studies, Dr. Keon spent time at Harvard University in Boston. He taught and learned there. In 1969, he came back to Ottawa.
In 1976, Dr. Keon started the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. This important center is part of the Ottawa Civic Hospital. He was its leader, or CEO, for over 30 years. He retired from this role in 2004.
Dr. Keon made history in 1986. He was the first Canadian doctor to put an artificial heart into a person. This was done to help the patient until they could get a heart transplant. He stopped working as a doctor in June 2010.
His Time as a Senator
In 1990, Dr. Keon was asked to join the Senate of Canada. The Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn appointed him. This was suggested by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
In the Senate, Dr. Keon was a member of the Conservative party. He served until 2010. Senators must retire when they turn 75, and Dr. Keon reached that age.
His Family Life
Wilbert Keon married Anne Jennings in 1960. They had three children together: Claudia, Ryan, and Neil. Ryan later ran for a political position.
There is a school named after Dr. Keon in Chapeau, Quebec. He passed away on April 7, 2019, at the age of 83. Doctors believe he died from a heart attack.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Keon received many honors for his important work.
- In 1984, he became an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is a high honor for Canadians.
- Pope John Paul II made him an Officer of the Order of Malta.
- In 1990, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario.
- Carleton University gave him an honorary science degree in 1994.
- In 2007, he was added to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. This honors great Canadian medical leaders.
