Johnnie Kean

JOHNNIE KEAN 1941-2021

On Wednesday 17 February 2021 in the early hours of the morning, Johnnie Kean died at home with Kay and the family at his bedside – only a few days after his 80th birthday.

Educated at Carrick Academy, in his young days Johnnie’s passions for sports cars and canoeing broadened to embrace a golden-haired Ayr lass called Kay Christie, to whom he was married for over fifty years. A natural bent for mechanical en- gineering helped him train as a clockmaker and jeweller. He worked with his father in John Kean & Son, Jewellers in High Street, before taking over and running this successful business with Kay for many years – during which time he served the community as an Ayr Burgh Town Councillor, and was also a member of Ayr Guildry.

This ethos of service – plus his love of a lively social life – led him to be a founder member and leading light of Ayr Kyle Round Table, following which he enthusiastically joined Ayr Rotary Club. He was for many years an Elder of St Columba’s Church – where he also helped out Kay, who ran the Cub Pack.

When his sold his shop, he and Kay branched out in a new venture when he opened up Broomfield House Nursing Home next door to their house, which they ran compassionately and successfully for many years.
Some of you, like me will have known Johnnie for fifty years or even much longer, and will miss him hugely – except for yon awful cigar smoke in the days of yore at RT meetings! He was an irrepressible character and joker, who lived life to the full, had a heart of gold, and with Kay, was the life and soul of many a great party and barbeque at 1Broomfield Road. We’ll miss him!

Having to deal with cancer for almost a decade, Johnnie coped remarkably well, and he and Kay were still able to host parties for their many friends with their usual great generosity. But sadly over the past two years, as his health failed, he gradually had to withdraw from the social scene.
Our thoughts are with Kay, Jason and Marie, Richard and Lisa, and their families – especially when we are unable to give JK the send-off he deserves from all of us, due to the COVID restrictions.

Written by Jimmy Begg