We are sad to announce that Ken died January 21st, 2017, in the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C. Ken is loved and missed by his wife, Lesley, sister Sue (Bob), niece Hilary (John), nephews Mark (Karen) and Fred (Hope), and family and friends in various parts of the world.
He was born on September 10th, 1935, in Groombridge, England, moving to Canada in 1957 after a four-year apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough, and found his engineering niche at Pratt and Whitney Canada in Longueuil, Qc. There he spent 36 varied and interesting years, ending his career as engineer/manager before retiring in 1993.
Ken and Lesley lived in St. Lambert, Qc and spent many happy times at their self-built Panabode cottage on Lake Champlain, Vermont, enjoying building and steaming his boat Pampas in Eastern Canada and the U.S.A., where he made many friends.
Never happier than when finding and working on old British cars, Ken indulged his hobby to the full after retirement, having moved in 1997 to Vancouver Island, where he found the ideal spot and many like-minded friends. “Uncle Ken” was always happy and ready to offer expertise and advice to help others with restoration and other car problems. He joined several car clubs and enjoyed friendships with members both here and in the U.K. As he became unable to work on his cars, four were given to our family and are being looked after and driven as he wished.
Ken’s work with the CRD Parks and other Commissions also meant a lot to him, bringing him into contact with many more friends and colleagues, and he carried on as much as possible until the end of his tenure in December.
The family wishes to thank all the medical and non-medical staff and friends who have cared for and about Ken over the years; your help is greatly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations to any Cancer, Heart or Kidney research organisation, or to the charity of your choice, would be welcomed.
An informal Memorial Reception will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens 4665 Falaise Drive in Victoria, BC at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 2nd, 2017, and we hope that Ken’s many friends may be able to join us. A second reception will be held in Toronto at a later date to be advised.
Condolences may be offered to the family below
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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John Tennant
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John Wright Lesley:
My deepest sympathies on your loss. I worked with Ken for many years on the Marketing side of United Aircraft of Canada starting in 1972 while dealing with the US Navy in Washington and later with Bell Helicopter until 1985 while I was in Texas. Ken had the most calming effect with his pleasant demeanor and sense of humor, along with a smile that was ever present. He will be missed by all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.
John Wright
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Rod Holt (L-F.O.C.) Although I never met Ken, I came to know him through exchanges of emails and was delighted to track down a source of gearbox parts for his Lea-Francis 14hp Sports which, from photographs he sent, he had restored to a very high standard. From the lovely comments above, it is obviously a great shame that we never found the chance to meet. Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with Lesley and the family.
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Sid Jorna I worked with Ken for many years on the JdFEA Parks and Recreation Commission, The JdF Community Trails Society and JdF Community Land Trust Society. I enjoyed the occasional ride in his Morgan and admired his skill and involvement with classical cars. I will always treasure his common sense approach, generosity and commitment to the community.
Rest in peace, Ken. Rosemary and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Lesley and family.
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Valerie Braunschweig We truly have lost a valuable member of our JdF Parks & Recreation Commission. Ken’s knowledge, dedication,commitment and hard work to the benefit of our area were sincerely appreciated. It just won’t be the same without him. Such a kind and gentle man leaving us far too soon.
To Lesley and family my sincere condolences for your loss.
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Andrew Lea Ken was one of the most influential people in my life as I was a child, adolescent and young adult.
His ghost has been advising me in one way or another for years, particularly in my work. I think it’s served me rather well, as I now, much to my continued astonishment, work as a systems engineer on a NASA exoplanetary telescope project. In that setting, I have often been told by friends and colleagues that my biggest asset is not any particular technical expertise, but an ability to understand the operation of a complex system, understand what it needs to do to work and implement it.
For this, I have difficulty giving credit to particulars of any formal education or work experience. I deeply feel that this is much more due to countless hours as a child listening to, working with, and benefiting from innumerable moments of Ken’s advice and wisdom. His calm demeanor and gentle assertiveness has, for as long as I can remember, served as an index of recognizing excellence in others.
It has immeasurably contributed to the fact that, in this difficult day and age, I am in the rare position to feel proud and personally invested in what I do for a living.
I suppose it could be construed as an accident of geography, but “Uncle Ken” was the closest man I ever had as an actual uncle. For this, I was both very fortunate and am very grateful. I hope his ghost continues to whisper in my ear.
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Gerry and Terry Gillies Dear Lesley
Gerry and I were so sad to see Ken’s death notice in the Globe this morning. Our memories other than PWC memories center around the years spend in motorsport in and around Montreal. We offer our most heartfelt condolences.
Terry and Gerry
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Bill Blackstone Sorry to read of Ken’s passing but happy to have shared good times with Ken and Lesley and other JOA friends in Montreal in the 70’s.
Bill Blackstone, Ottawa
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Heather Phillips I met Ken and Lesley through community work, particularly Ken. In the community, we saw an insightful and dedicated man, qualities that reflected all areas of his life. Best wishes to Lesley, her family and friends as they go forward without Ken. He is a man for all of us to treasure in memory.
Heather Phillips, Otter Point
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George Locke and Elizabeth Cumming Dear Lesley,
Elizabeth and I were very saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Many people’s most enduring memories are those from childhood. I have many fond memories of summers in North Hero from that time, whether it was croquet, or boating, or general socializing. Ken and you were central figures in that experience.
Please accept our deepest sympathies. I hope to see you in the near future.
Regards,
George
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Mary Brown It was my privilege and pleasure to work with Ken for a few years when I was JdFEA Parks and Recreation Commissioner for Shirley.Jordan River. JdFEA residents owe him much gratitude for his long-time commitment to the work of the Commission and to the well-being of its communities and he will be greatly missed. My husband Roy and I send condolences to Lesley and the family on their loss.
Sincerely
Mary Brown
Shirley. B.C.
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Nick Ngoly Dear Lesley
I had the privilege of working for Ken at Pratt and Whitney Canada in PT6 Turboshaft Engines. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ken. May you and the family be spared any more sorrows.
Nick Ngoly
Saint-Lambert,QC
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Sue and Malcolm Gregory Dear Lesley
We’re very sad that Ken has passed away after your many shared years of happy companionship – dating right back to the Goldsmith days!
Thinking of you.
Much love
Sue and Malcolm
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Keppel Bharath Lesley, I was fortunate to work under Ken from 1985 to 1993 when he left PWC. He was like a walking encyclopedia in that you can ask him any thing at the detail component level to the Aircraft assembly level and he would not give you the answer but would point your thinking to arrive at the answer. This was a tremendous learning experience for all of us as young Engineers We have had vary few people like Ken who took the time to school without scolding us. I will personally miss his smile and positive attitude in guiding us. We have lost a legend
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Michael Bond A gentle man, in every sense of the word. I worked with Ken for several years at PWC, and a more accommodating and understanding man, one could not wish to meet. Rest in Peace, Ken.
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Leo & Trisha Lee Hi Lesley,
We got your email this morning. We are truly sorry, but we are grateful Ken is not longer in pain now. When you have a chance to schedule a reception in Toronto later, would you please let us know?
Leo and Trisha
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Brenda Lee My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ken, who will sadly miss him, as he was the kind of person who inspired love at first meeting. I hope you can be comforted by the many fond memories of your time together. So sad not to be able to see him again…
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EILEEN SINNAMON Lesley I am so sorry to lose a good and long standing friend.
He put up a good fight. My prayers and thoughts are with you dear friend.
Love Eileen
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Jim and Fern Dear Lesley,
Ken was such a lovely man that will be dearly missed.
Sending love and hugs from across the pond.
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Betty Tully Dear Lesley,
I worked with Ken on the Juan De Fuca EDC. During that time I was always impressed by Ken’s quiet authority as Chair, by his ability to listen and by his refreshing sense of humour. His contribution to the community was significant: we shall miss his leadership.
Take care,
Betty
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David Stocks Dear Lesley.
As Kahlil Gibran told us, the depth of our sorrow is a measure of the joy that we have known.
I received great joy from knowing Ken.
Big hug.
David
Dear Lesley,
A sad day indeed…for the motoring community I knew so well. I find it fortunate that I still retain those enjoyable memories of the xmas tree gathering parties at our house and sailing with Ken on the Cataraman. Ken was a true gentleman in every manner and will be sadly missed by all who knew him
John Tennant