I new John in the early 90's where we spent many an evening drinking bad coffee trying to raise money for worthy causes. John was a wonderful man who lit up a room and knew how to enjoy a game of darts and a beer or two after. The world was a better place for having John. Bob Mawhinney

John used to work with us at Loblaws Queens Quay as a Natural Value manager. We had some good laughs, such a caring and nice guy. We are all in shock about his death. We love you and miss you John.

At Neil, John gave me guidance and advice in art even though i was a worm.We would find ourselves hanging in Ruddy's art room afterhours and just jam away. The last time time we met was at Sneeke Dee's (by chance) and he was elated i persued art for a living. THANK YOU JOHN.

Our paths first crossed a long time ago when we both took swimming lessons at Cedarbrae Collegiate. Although only about 12 or 13 at the time, even then he stood out as one of the most personable, warm and caring people I knew. Our paths crossed again later in high-school at Neil McNeil but we never saw each other again after I graduated a couple of years ahead of him. I can tell from the recent pictures of him that he was still full of warmth and compassion. Where ever he is, no doubt he looks down on all whose lives he touched with the same care and compassion he had when he walked among us.

My sincere condolences to all John's family and friends, to those I've met and those I haven't --- I knew John in the 90's when we worked together and hung out many a time at the Duke, at parties, in parks , biking, walking, swimming. He was a special person to me, and so many and it's amazing to see how many people are sharing in his memory. I send you my best. Adrienne

So many good times, we learned from each other. I'll always remember celebrating the news of your impending Fatherhood...what a change... you were a great Dad.

I met John in 1990 at Molson Park in Barrie. He just started talking to me and my friends and we spent most of the day together laughing and enjoying the music...we kept in touch for a few years afterwards...when I heard on the radio what happened I was so upset and devastated...my thoughts and prayers are with his family,son and friends...

John and I were friends at Neil together. Never anything derogatory to have said about John he was one of those friends that when you think back in a moment of nostalgia missing those years he'd come to mind. You always wonder what became of these people, and I never realized our "circles" scratched the surface of each other. I will enjoy a pint at the Duke in John's name, and continue to play my part in the changing of these criminally sided gun laws. My thoughts go out to those closest suffering through loss.

To jennifer and parents we are so sorry to hear about your son and brother. You are in our prayers, god bless .Adam, Dianne and Marlene Neal.

"l remember John at Neil McNeil H.S. he was a great person. We also argued over whichi band was better Led Zeppelin or Rush". You'll be missed John!!

Pah and johnny o worked together at this place called goyeau communications. John loved music. john loved people. john was a poet. john was a music man. he saw your creative and encouraged you to pursue it . he loved to sit and talk the breeze on any subject at all. he loved his son ian and girlfriend susan loved all of gods creatures and nature too boot. why the fuck did this have to happen to someone who was so HUMAN AND KIND. pah is going to miss the chance to drink, play darts discuss music and talk about life in general john give er in heaven johhnny o.

John, I will remember your big smile, huge blue eyes and down-to-earth, carefree nature. You made everyone feel like a friend. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Teresa and Iain.

I remeber my first year of policing and had known John since Grade nine he was running from the Brunnie with a beer stien. I collared my old friend for drunk and disorderly and afetr a good laugh I drove him home. Oh well Johnny OOOO....

John and I were best friends in our U of T days. We were in the same classes and hung out most weekends. He was one of the funniest guys I have ever met. We went out and saw bands like The Hip and Blue Rodeo and hit the pubs until we were "steamin." He was brilliant. What a terrible loss. I am so sorry that he is gone and in such a senseless, tragic way.

I met John about 23 years with his friends from Neil. My memory of John was coming to my parents house and sitting with his friend Mike and eating more than a dozen kaiser rolls. He was always joking with everyone. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

I met John about 23 years with his friends from Neil. My memory of John was coming to my parents house and sitting with his friend Mike and eating more than a dozen kaiser rolls. He was always joking with everyone. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

It just makes me sick, a man that had such wonderful smile, sense of humour and full of life is no more. I looked forward to going to Healthy's just to talk to him and pickup supplies. It's a sad tragic loss...

John was not only a very knowledgeable man when it came to natural products, but he had a great sense of humour. The memory that is the most vivid in my mind was the days when he shared with me how close he was with his 9 year old , and one day he instantly pulled out a picture showing me th ecute little boy. I am forever grateful for all the natural products he instructed me to buy, for both myself and family. I owe it to him, and for that I SAY thank you John. I am not sure if I can visit Healthys Store again, knowing that I won't see that smiling face.

I don't have a memory of John O'Keefe; I didnt know him personally. I just want to offer my condolences to his family & friends! Everything that I've read of him by his friends is very impressive. it is utterly sad beyond all reason this tragedy. These last several days I have remembered him in my daily prayers; I'm also an R.C. I'll just add a little Latin Prayer for him, that I know from yrs. ago. Requiem Aeternam Dona Eis Domine Et Lux Perpetua luceat Eis Domine, Amen. In nomine patris et spiritu sanctae, Amen. It just means rest Eternal grant unto him O Lord & May Perpetual light shine upon him, (John) Amen! Sincerely, Basil McCormick ebasilmc@yahoo.com Toronto, Ont 7 Oriole Pkwy. M4V2C8

My deepest condolences to his family.I remember him to be a funloving happy go lucky person who loved life and loved people.He always made everyone laugh.This is a senseless loss.

I knew John back in High School at Neil McNeil but have not spoken to him for sometime now. I remember him being a great guy. I pray that God will embrace his son and family during this hard time after such a senseless loss of life. I know that John is looking down and will see all of us soon. God Bless

My memories of John are from way back at St. Agatha's, and they are of a really good guy who always worked hard and was kind to others. It seems that didn't change as he grew into a fine man. Deepest condolences to his family and close friends. May his son gain strength from all of you. This violence has to be stopped! God bless you John.

It's been more than 25 years since John and I were buddies in school. We attended Neil McNeil High School together and I will always remember those years fondly. As I read the memories of those who knew him much longer than I did, it seems John did not change much over time. He was a very funny & intelligent guy back then as well, who made such a lasting impression, no amount of time could erase those memories. My heart sank when I read the news. My condolences to his family and friends. I know he will be dearly missed.

John was a gentle giant to me. He always had a smile for me and made me feel part of his life even tho' we only saw each other when I went to the store he worked at. We talked alot about music and how he loved a good jig or a reel. Barry and I are so saddened by this tragic end to a good and caring man. We can only bow our heads and shake them with disbelief.

John, we will miss you and will watch over your son Iain. Anyone interested in donating to a fund to support John's son Iain can do so by sending cheques to the “John O’Keefe Family Fund” care of: Neal Brothers Foods Inc, 160 Pennsylvania Ave Unit 8, Concord, Ontario, L4K 4A9 OR: Royal Bank of Canada Aurora Heights Plaza Branch 15408 Yonge Street Aurora, Ontario, L4G 1N9 (this is the only branch that will accept donations to this fund/account) **Iain's mom Theresa is an employee at Neal Brothers.

I'll miss your warm, easy going nature and your wonderful sense of humour. You made me smile. Always and forever in our hearts...Skins

Hey John, I have so many wonderful pictures of you ,me and Theresa. You were always there to celebrate the best of life. I will miss your crazy blue eyes and your passion for life. . When I look at your beautiful Iain I will always think of you. __love always Kim and Levi

I do not know John. But his loss has affected myself and my family deeply. I hope his family heals in time and finds their peace with God. Below is a letter I have sent to Mayor Millers office. I hope this is not an Inappropriate place to post it but i wanted the family to know they are supported and they are grieved with - they are not alone. I have posted the mayors email address and my letter and I encourage those that both knew John and those , like myself, that don't, to make a stand and demand the mayor do something now. Thank you. January 15th 2008 TO: mayor_miller@toronto.ca Re: THE SHOOTING DEATH OF MR. JOHN O’KEEFE – GUN LAWS IN TORONTO Dear Mr. Mayor. Firstly I have never written a letter to a politician before. I am not a complainer nor a crackpot. I am sure you receive dozens of time wasting emails and letters regarding pot holes and graffiti etc. I apologise if I sound a bit emotional – but truth be said, I am furious with what happened to Mr. John O’Keefe over this past weekend. As are thousands of Torontonians. Canada is a great country. Ontario is a fantastic province and Toronto is a world class city that is respected in all corners of the earth. I know because I have travelled much. I just arrived back from Korea and never in my life have I been so proud as when I was in Seoul and treated like a king simply because I am Canadian. I wear a little pin on my suit lapel wherever I travel. I am proud to be Canadian and even prouder to be a Torontonian. Our city is now has a bad reputation for gun violence. I say this because a stranger I met while travelling, a regular Korean person told me so in Bun Dang Korea before Christmas. This was this mans opinion of Toronto. I was shocked. This is being caused by a very small portion of our population and very large media coverage. It must be stopped now. It has gone on far too long. I have had enough. I am sick with grief and anger over what has just happened to this innocent father. Presently our brave men and women are fighting and dying in Afghanistan for a country they believe in. Our country is at war. Canada has made and continues to make sacrifices in the name of peace. Their mission is clear. Their sacrifice is clear. I ask you Mr. Mayor, what sacrifice are you willing to make as our city’s leader? Will you not stand up? Will you not lead us to a safer and stronger city future? Or will you simply baffle us with bureaucratic road blocks? We need change. Now. I write this letter to ask you to please make changes to our existing gun laws and to our existing legal system that does little to threaten and/or punish those that would hurt law abiding citizens in Toronto. I voted you in - as did thousands of other Torontonians because I believed in your path (I still do). You are a shining example as our city leader. I am proud to call you mayor. I am asking you to do the right thing – regardless of what adversarial challenges you will surely face. Please do the right thing and start the ball rolling. A ban on handguns is the obvious choice. It is clear. Serious penalties for those convicted. No holes barred – no second chances. No time off for good behaviour - Period. You will have much more support than I think you believe. I have lived and worked in the Bay and Bloor area of our fine city for 16 years. Ms. Creba’s untimely death was a shocker as were all of last years homicides involving firearms but this time it has hit very close to home for me. All great leaders have had their moment. A moment where they must make decisions that are not easy to make. Now Sir, is your time. Your thoughts? Thank you Sincerely David G Christen Christen and Associates Toronto 416 929-3456 david@catalent.ca

I knew John through the Healthy's store in First Canadian Place. He was always so friendly and willing to help with any questions that I had. From what I saw in the brief time that I knew him, he treated everyone this way and I think that says a lot about his character. This is such a tragedy to have lost such an exceptionally friendly and caring person and my deepest sympathies go out to his family. There are few words that can be said to make sense of this or to make it any better, but I hope that his family and friends all know that he touched many people's lives, even those who barely knew him.

Thank you John, for selflessly caring for each individual you met at The Exchange Tower's Healthy's. We are forever grateful for having met you and learning more about our health and well-being. Iain, there are many of us shifting positive energy to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Thank you again, John.

John was a great guy and so friendly. He was very helpful to me when i came into his store and always made it a pleasant experience. May he rest in peace.

I remember growing up with John and starting school together in those early years of childhood. He was always very smart and an honor student through High School. Always a quiet gentle soul with a sense of humour that would surprise me over and over again. A caring individual that made a positive difference to those that he met.

Goodbye John, We'll miss you.