The family of the late Garrison man, Pat Keown, said the 82-year-old lived a life that would be mourned, but one that should be celebrated as well.

Pat and his wife, Josie, were married for 56 years. They had 11 children and 28 grandchildren, each of whom will remember his legacy.

A hard-working man, Pat spent 41 years in the Forest Service, while also keeping the family farm in Glen.

Pat joined the forestry service in 1960 and stayed there until his retirement in 2001. He was a specialist operator, preparing ground by ploughing and excavating, and the specialist nature of his work took him to every corner of the six counties and meant he made many friends during his working life.

The travel element of Pat’s work meant that he could be based in remote locations all over the North, and this meant that he often had to be told over CB radio that Josie had given birth.

He was called with the news on his famous call sign, ‘Plough Tree Two’, and got great craic from being able to tell each of his children exactly where he was ploughing when they were born!

One of Pat’s sons, Shane, spoke of his father’s work ethic at the Funeral Mass last week, saying: “Probably the first thing that would have been said about Dad was that he was a worker. Between farming and the forestry, the days were long.”

Mourners heard that Pat rarely started work later than 6am, but it never cost him a thought; he worked without complaint, as it was all to support his family.

“While it was true Dad didn’t have the educational opportunities that he afforded his children, the combination of a good brain, a good work ethic, and the willingness to back himself meant that he and our mother provided their large family with an upbringing that was probably more comfortable than we could have expected in those times.”

Pat worked hard between the forestry and farming, but he had many other interests in life outside of work, including sport, music and cooking.

He loved watching the great Down football team of the 1960s; Pat often recalled watching them train while he ploughed in the Mournes.

He also loved Muhammad Ali, and the Kerry team of the 1980s.

“Dad enjoyed socialising, particularly with his family and neighbours, and he loved the company of the Burns’ and their extended family. He loved meeting new people and going out for lunch and dinner.”

Pat’s love of people and his wide circle of friends was reflected in the large amount of people that attended the wakes in Glen and the funeral in Garrison last week.

He was also known as a fabulous cook – Shane described him as being able to “extract flavour from two stones”.

He loved music, especially classic American Country. Indeed, for his 80th birthday in 2019, he received a video message from the great Charley Pride – this was a great surprise that Pat and the family got a real kick out of.

Pat was an enormous figure that has left a legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.

He was described as having personified an oak tree: “One of the most ancient of the Irish native species, and the most bio-diverse; home to more plants and animals than any other tree, and the best tree under which to rear animals” – a fitting comparison and tribute to Pat.

The family paid tribute to the care Pat received at the end of his life, and the amazing send-off he got. Special mentions went to his carers, the staff of the South West Acute Hospital, and undertaker, friend and neighbour, Peter Carty.

Pat was laid to rest on Friday, May 13, following his Funeral Mass at Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Garrison.

He will be forever loved and sadly missed by his beloved wife, Josie; was a dearest father of Anne-Clare, Caroline, Anne, Shane, Brian, Michael, Helen, Steven, Tara, Lorraine and Andrew; is sadly missed by his loving daughters, sons, sisters Sue Halliday and Mae McDermott; and his nephews, nieces, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, the wide family circle, neighbours and friends.

Plough Tree Two. Over and out.