One of Killarney's local heros passed away earlier this month.

Keith Heming, who created the Killarney Foundation, passed away on July 5, 2016 at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer.

Killarney-Turtle Mountain Mayor Rick Pauls, who also chairs the Killarney Foundation, said Keith's contribution to the community went beyond measure.

“Keith was definitely a forward thinking individual who started something that will absolutely leave a legacy for him as well as for our community with the Killarney Foundation. He was actually a pioneer in Canada when it comes to foundation building, so we're definitely grateful for his vision to build something like this for Killarney.”

Pauls says the Killarney Foundation has given out well over $2 million to the local community since its inception in 1979.

To honour Keith, a commemorative park named Keith's Korner is currently being constructed at the corner of Broadway Ave and South Railway St.

A funeral service for the late Keith Heming will be held Friday, July 22 at 1pm at the Killarney United Church.