Mark Keen is pictured in the Bemus Point Central School District bus garage for the distinct’s newsletter. Submitted photo

BEMUS POINT — Mark Kean was a bus driver for the Bemus Point Central School District, starting earlier this year.

He may have been a bus driver for a short time at the district, but everyone knew he loved his dog more than anything. The community was sad to learn of Kean’s passing just before Thanksgiving.

“Mark wasn’t with us for very long, but he was a part of the Bemus Point family,” said Joseph Reyda, Bemus Point superintendent. “We are grateful to have had Mark on our team at BPCSD. He will be greatly missed.”

In early December, students and staff at Bemus Point Central School District decided to raise money in memory of Kean for the Chautauqua County Humane Society. The students and staff felt donating to the Humane Society in his name was the perfect way to honor him. The organization’s mission is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals, and commitment to the community.

At Maple Grove, the junior/senior high school, the student council held a PJ Day; staff and students paid a dollar and wore pajamas all day at school. At Bemus Point Elementary, the teachers had a dress-down day and made contributions in Kean’s honor.

Together, both schools raised $271.