Obituary of Jonathan Keen

Jonathan Paul Keen

October 27, 1989 – February 14, 2026

Jonathan passed away after a long struggle with mental illness at Selkirk Mental Health Center on February 14, 2026 at the age of 36.

Jonathan was a passionate and spirited individual who had a strong sense of who he was and what he stood for. He was always compassionate to struggling people and even in periods of mental illness, was often a comfort to others around him.

Born October 27, 1989 in Brandon, Manitoba, Jonathan was the youngest son of Terry and brother of Kris. He attended George Fitton, Harrison Middle School and Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School. He attended Brandon University, getting a BA Honours Degree with Greatest Distinction and completed a degree in Social Work at the University of Manitoba.

Jonathan was passionate about many things in life. He loved sports and played many, including recreational hockey and field hockey. Jonathan loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could in nature, making numerous trips to Riding Mountain National Park, participating in the Eco-Odyssey program at Neelin High School and making a special journey to Yellowstone National Park.

Jonathan was also deeply invested in politics and social justice. He was Vice President Internal at BUSU. He went on the Migrant Trail walk, tracing the journey of migrants from Sasabe, Mexico to Tucson, Arizona in solidarity with the trials of undocumented immigrants. Up until his death, he worked hard to stay informed about politics and world affairs despite considerable challenges caused by his mental illness.  

Throughout his life, Jonathan had a special and enduring love of music. Jonathan sang and played guitar and would turn to his guitar when he needed comfort. He was involved in music in high school and taught private guitar lessons. Even in the periods of his deepest illness, Jonathan would find comfort and meaning in his favorite songs and artists.

We will remember and celebrate Jonathan in countless ways and places, in the sunset through trees in a park, in the chords of a song he loved and sometimes, in silence. We choose to remember Jonathan as the man he was and not just the struggles he bore.  

A Celebration of Jonathan's life will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332 8th Street, Brandon, on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.