Obituary of Bannon O'Hearn

Bannon O'Hearn, 95, of Canterbury Hall and formerly of Hillsborough Rd. Riverview, NB; passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital, on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. Born in (Chatham) now Miramichi, NB; he was the son of the late Patrick and Ann (Connors). Bannon is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Margaret (Pat) O'Hearn, whom he married in Neepawa, MB. He will also be sadly missed by his daughter Maureen Oatway (the late Michael) of Riverview; his sons Richard (Karen) of Grand Barachois and Robert O'Hearn of Alberta; his loving grandchildren Mark (Jenn) and Marnie Oatway, Tiffany (Jeff) O'Hearn Davies and Zachary O'Hearn; two great grandchildren Owen and Brynn Oatway; nephew Eugene (Lois) Hubbard of Wells, Me. USA; as well as many grand-nieces and nephews. Bannon was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sisters Theresa and Josephine, brothers John, Roy and Joe also by his son-in-law Michael Oatway. Bannon graduated from St. Thomas College and took up employment in the Administrative Duties of #21 Elementary Flying Training School in Chatham, NB, he was soon to be transferred to Neepawa, MB to the Royal Air Force Base in charge of officers for the British Commonwealth Air Training Program. Following the War, he and his bride returned to New Brunswick as he was employed by War Assets for NB and PEI. In 1957. Bannon embarked on a teaching career which he retired from in 1985. He taught at Moncton High School and Harrison Trimble. His expertise in drama and musical presentations will long be remembered as he founded Drama Festivals and Musicals for the Moncton District Schools which continues on to this day. Bannon was a keen educator; very active in NB Teachers Association, Business Education Councils, Canadian College of Teachers of which he was Past President, Curricular Committee to mention but a few. His want for Education was fulfilled by attending evening and summer courses at the University of Moncton, where he obtained his Bachelor Degree in Commerce and a Degree in Special Education. Bannon was a member of the planning committee in the 1950's to erect Riverview's first Catholic Church, he was a proud and active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where he was a member of the Hospitality, a Choir member for 45 years, Lay Presider and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9270. Bannon was also on the founding committee of the Coverdale Fire Dept. (now Riverview Fire Dept.) and a School Trustee for #5 District School Board for many years. Upon retirement Bannon joined the Bridgedale Senior Group serving a four year term as President. In 1987 he established the "Incredibles" a senior singing group. This group provided entertainment by singing old songs of yester-years for Hospitals, Veterans, Seniors Homes and private parties. The funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Fatima Dr. Riverview, on Monday, May 26, 2014 at 1:30pm with Fr. Phil Mulligan officiating. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at the Dan Bohan Center immediately following the funeral mass. Interment will be at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Dieppe, NB Donations in Bannon's memory made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Building or to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857-9544Service Information Monday, May 26, 2014 1:30pm Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Riverview, NB Requested Charity Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Building Fund or to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation