MARK ARNOLD KEOWN
December 24,1981-February 4, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces that Mark Arnold Keown passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2026 in Kingston, ON. He was 44 years old. Mark leaves behind his loving wife of 20 years, Janice (Gowan), his two teenage children, Eric and Emma and his two faithful canine companions Maggie and Leila. He is survived by his parents, Arnold Keown and Cathy Whitehead (Warren) and brother Brad (Shannon).
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Keown joined the Canadian Forces in September 2000, and was subsequently posted “home” to CFB North Bay for his first posting as a surveillance tech and data link operator. It was during this time that he met and married Janice. In July of 2007, Mark was promoted to the rank of MCpl and was posted to the Canadian Detachment Tinker Oklahoma where he flew on the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) Surveillance aircraft. During this time Mark deployed to Al Dhafra Airbase in the United Arab Emirates during the war in Afghanistan. In 2011 he was promoted to the rank of Sgt and posted to 12 Radar Squadron in Bagotville Quebec then on to 2 AES (Air expeditionary Squadron) Bagotville in July 2012. While at 2 AES he completed two deployments (OP IMPACT and OP REASSURANCE). He was promoted to WO in July 2015 and was posted to the Canadian Detachment EADS in Rome, NY. He was promoted to MWO in 2018 and subsequently posted to CDA HQ in Kingston, ON in July 2019. Mark was promoted and selected as the CWO of 437 (T) Squadron in Trenton in July 2022 then was subsequently appointed as the WCWO of 1 Wing in Kingston in July 2025.
Mark’s wife, kids and dogs were central in his life and he took pride in his family. He was passionate about sports, especially hockey, and always joked that he joined the military so he could continue to play sports “while getting paid” long into his adult life. He valued teamwork and never underestimated how being a part of a team helped him progress in his career. He will be missed immensely by all who knew him personally and professionally and will be leaving behind a tremendous hole in all of our hearts. We know Abbey and Braedy were waiting to greet him with tails wagging.
Visitation will take place on Friday February 20, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Martyn Funeral Home in North Bay. Mark’s life will be celebrated on Saturday February 21, 2026, 1:00 pm at the 22 Wing, Queen of Peace Chapel, 29 Sterling Ave, North Bay. Reception to follow at the 22 Wing Ayr Mess Blue Room, 17 Duxford Rd, North Bay.
