On Thursday January 14th, 2021 Kenneth George Wilson passed peacefully at his home with his family by his side. Ken was loved and cherished by his wife Gertrude (Gert) (nee Cooke), his sons Brad and Scott, his daughter-in-law Wendy Wilson, son-in-law Ron White and his grandchildren Hayley, Amanda and Devon. Ken will be sorely missed as the patriarch, caretaker and wisdom of the Wilson family.
Ken was born in Saltford, Ontario, the second youngest of four children and the only son of Ike Wilson and Evelyn Fowler. He is survived by three sisters, Rita, Emily and Wanda and two sisters-in-law, Donna Finegan and Doris Wilson.
Ken had a diverse career that ranged from working the great lake freighters, being an OPP officer, an entrepreneur and a salesman for Champion Road Graders. Everything Ken did was met with determination, vigor and hard work. Ken was a passionate snowmobiler; he was the first President of Colborne Snowmobile Club and eventually a board member of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. Many will miss Ken playing the guitar whether at family events, a local pub or a birthday party. Ken was a leader and a connector whether it was gathering his friends to “grab a coffee” or getting the band together. Everyone that was a friend of Ken’s knew they had a friend through thick and thin.
Ken deeply loved and respected his wife of 62 years for whom he would do anything, they had a very nice life together. Ken’s stoic work ethic and commitment to always doing the right thing made him a great and respected father, his sons loved him very much. Ken’s grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends, both young and old, will miss having that someone in their life that they knew genuinely loved and cared for them.
A celebration of Ken’s life will occur after everyone is vaccinated. For those that would like to express their sympathies we would appreciate donations to Dying with Dignity. Ken’s cremation was arranged by the McCallum’s Funeral Home.
Shared by Heather Cooke
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Predrag and Katarina Romano
We learned about Ken’s passing with great sadness. We will remember him as a kind, friendly person, always ready to help.
Sincere condolence to the family.
Predrag and Katarina
Colleen Maguire
Gertie and Family, So saddened to learn of Ken’s passing. I always enjoyed having a little chat and he was always smiling. He was a fine gentlemen and I had greatest of respect for him. My sincerest sympathies to you all.
Marian and Peter Shephard
Gert and family
Sincere condolences at this sad time. Ken did such a good job of entertaining
everyone, when able, at the Adult Day Centre. Always a warm friendly smile and fun.
Elaine & Mike Wilson
Gert: We were saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He was great to work with at Champion and a terrific neighbour. Our condolences to you, Gert, and all the family.
/Mike & Elaine Wilson
Stewart Bate
He was a great client, and always had a smile for me and “hey, how are ya!!”
Thank you Ken your Joy will be missed.
Blessings on your family
Gail Prouse
We will always remember Ken for his generous nature and care for Lyle when he was ill, Ken would move heaven ( snow blow a path to the road) to get dad out to coffee,he knew how important those outings were to dad. Ken was just the guy to go the extra step ,and Gert you are gold too ,sending hugs and prayers from Joyce Pinkney and the Prouses
Gord DeVries
Dear Gert
My friendship with Ken goes back at least 30 years and in that time we played a lot of music and shared a lot of camaraderie. We argued incessantly about almost every subject and somehow, we always managed to remain the best of friends. I respected Ken greatly. Audrey and I will miss him, his jam sessions, his unexpected drop-ins in London for lunch or a coffee when he was on a mission, delivering a friend to a doctor’s or hospital appointment. That was a sign of his generosity and he was always ready to help someone in need. The world is an emptier place today.
Jim King
Growing up with Brad, Mr Wilson was the perfect role model. Thank you Mr. Wilson, you will be missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know you!
Linda Durnin
My sympathies to Gertie and family..l remember enjoying Ken with his guitar, accompanying Bert Moss and Ben Brown on their violins. He will be missed. Linda Durnin
Gregory Hood
Gert and family
Joanne and I are so sorry to hear of Ken`s passing . He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. We put on a lot of miles together over the years snowmobiling which has brought on a flood of great memories form riding to playing rounds of progressive euchre.
You have our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
Joanne and Greg Hood
Al Draper
Having only known Ken for about four years, afforded me a glimpse into the kindness and inclusiveness that he projected whenever we got together. It was always a pleasure to play music with Ken and he will be missed by all who crossed his path.
Dave and Doris Mills
Dear Gerti and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the strength of family, friends and wonderful memories help you during this difficult time. Ken will be deeply missed.
Dave and Doris
Rob and Catherine Loughead
Sending our prayers and condolences to all the family.
Ken was a lovely man always with a smile.
TED AND JOYCE RIEHL
Gertie
were sorry to hear that Ken passed away. our thoughts are with you and your family
John , Mickie Hamilton
Gertie and family.
Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of Ken. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. We have known you and Ken a very long time . Will miss seeing him down at the beach.
John and Mickie Hamilton
Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Gertie and family what a sad time for you all! Ken was a very special guy and always a gentleman. I remember him riding his horse across the Saltford Bridge. Now that was before there was so much traffic and we all were much younger! Keith and I would bump into him on the Maitland trail. He would be putting the stakes in or taking them out for the snowmobile club. Always a big smile on that handsome face. Please accept our sympathy, Jo-Anne & Keith
Heather Cooke
Remembering you fondly Uncle Kenny 🖤
Shawn and Jennifer Finegan
Aunt Gertie, Scott, Wendy, Amanda, Hailey, Devon, Brad and Ron;
Uncle Ken was a truly kind and caring man, always thinking of others, always there to help, full of energy and hugs.
We will always be thankful for his efforts in organizing family get-togethers and the “family tree” information.
He will be missed by so many. Sending you our love and hugs.
Shawn, Jennifer, Joe and Patrick xo
Nancy Goldstein
Brad, Ron and family, We are sending our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. It is so hard to lose a loved one, particularly during these challenging times. We hope that the treasured memories you have of the good times will carry you through. May you be reassured that your dad is at peace now. We are thinking of you and wish you no more sorrow. Fondly, Nancy, Harold, Jonah and Emma
Ellen and Adam Wingold
Brad and Ron,
We are sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love Ellen and Adam.
Al & Sue Widmeyer
Always enjoyed playing a few tunes with Ken I’m sure he’s upstairs in a great big jam session
Jim & Gail (Bettger) MacLeod
Gertie & boys – so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I worked with Ken in Goderich when he was in Wingham & he was a great guy. Our thoughts are with you.
Jackie Haire
We are so sorry for your loss
Thinking of you during this tough time🙏
Our condolences, Jackie & Dave Haire
Eric & Dianne Drennan
Sorry to hear of Ken passing. He was one great fella. He always put out time for our son playing the fiddle while he accompanied him on the guitar.
Kelly Weaver
I will always remember playing with Ken at the Wednesday night jammers, our harmony was right on and we all enjoyed hearing him sing!
Gene & Becky Bender
Our sincere condolences to all of your family in this time of loss. We will always remember Ken’s heartfelt tribute to his friend Hugh at Hugh’s memorial service a year ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Becky & Gene
Heather Cooke
Uncle Kenny was an incredible man. A family man through and through, a man of integrity and optimism. In short, a role model. Fiercely devoted to his family, his community and friends, his legacy will live on in all of the hearts he has touched. What I probably remember best is his smile, entertaining stories of the past, and always, always being greeted with a warm embrace (unless of course you were wearing ripped jeans lol) Uncle Kenny and Aunt Gertie always made you feel welcome, wanted, like you were home. That is not a feeling I, or I’m sure anyone else will soon forget. Sending love Aunt Gertie, Brad, Scott, Ron, Wendy, Hailey, Amanda, Devon and family.
Dale Matthies
Gertie, I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a great friend and gave me so many memories that I cherish!
Maurizio and Daniela Massucchi
We have read with pleasure and emotion the story of his Ofer, we can’ t stop thinking of him in Florence, happy and curious, enjoiying everything! We had the impression of a nice man, in love with his beautiful family and wife. Hope he will continue “living” somehow and hope you can feel him close to you! Big hug to Gert and Family from us! Maurizio and Daniela from Florence
Carm Noble
So sorry to hear abot Ken. We had great conversations with him at the OPPVA luncheons,his input was always very interesting. And I recall a few times of jamming with him at Blyth and Neustadt especially the older C and W songs. He will be missed in the community
Carm and Florence Noble, Mount Forest.
John Gibson
So Sadden to hear of Kens passing! He was a great friend, and Mentor. Ken was so efficient to every detail with anything he did. He was a true leader and set the bar high for anyone following in his footsteps !
Dawn Cumming
Dear Gert and Family, I am very sorry to hear that Ken has passed away..It seems like yesterday that he recovered from his leg injury..Lakeshore United Church is missing many wonderful people and Ken was one of the best..Please know that I send blessings to all those who love Ken..Sincerely, Dawn Cumming
Jon Ginn
Gertie and family
Mickey and I were sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Always enjoyed chats at work and after. We send our condolences.
Dawn Tucker
Sorry for your loss Gert and Family. ..Positive thoughts of all the wonderful memories will everything .ok – A life well lived ..xo
Mike Jeffrey
My sympathy to Ken’s family. Ken was a great customer for many years. May he RIP
Brian Lowe
So sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. He was such a gentleman and I as a ¦ew – young employee at Champion welcomed and helped me along and became a friend. Rest in peace Ken.
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Gertie and Family
we extend our sincere condolences on your loss of Ken.
Kristan Knox Vanstone.
My condolences and heart goes out to You ,Scott and Brad and everyone close and dear to Ken. Ken and yourself were always so kind to me through out the Bailey’s years. Ken’s smile was always a delight to see and very contagious.
May you find strength from your family and friends through this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you.
Lisa & Mark Clare
Dear Gertie & family. We’d like to share our condolences for your loss from our family to yours. I do remember meeting Kenneth years ago. Love Lisa & Mark Clare (Bob & Gert Wilson’s daughter).
Kristen Dudley
Aunt Gertie, Scott, Wendy and family, Bradley and Ron,
I’m sorry to hear this news of Uncle Kenny’s passing. He will be so missed. A true gentlemen with such a lovely caring heart.
I always enjoyed listening to his stories when I was fortunate to visit.
My condolences to all.
Love Kristen
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Gertie – You and your family are in my special thoughts – with sadness and sympathy –
Sincerely – Cecelia and Don
Doug Cameron
Gert & family.
Please accept my condolences… Doug Cameron, Hanover, (Wingham).
Brian Melick
My deepest sympathies to Gert, Scott, Brad and their families. Ken was my best friend and fellow musician. Ken and I travelled many miles together to attend fiddle jamborees, bluegrass festivals, and just about any excuse to get together with friends, to share a tune. I’m sure that if there is a time in the next life where friends can congregate for a tune then Ken is probably organizing it right now and what a time we’ll have. Ken will be missed but not forgotten.
Kerri Paquette (Lawrence)
Mr Wilson was a kind and caring man. His entire family was very welcoming when we moved to Goderich and they welcomed us into their circle. He always knew what to say to make you feel better! I am so very sorry for your loss. I am glad he had the option to choose his time to pass with dignity and have all of his family by his side. Hugs…
SHEILA SINNETT
Hugs and love to you all.
Rosemary Beange
To Gertie & family,
Our sincere condolence to you on the passing of Ken. May your
wonderful memories ease some of the pain at this sad time. He always
liked to chat when we met. May he rest in peace.
Allan & Rosemary Beange
Mary Grace and John Pridham (White)
Gertie and family..sad day for all of us from Saltford for sure..he was such a nice man. Ken often dropped into our house to see us and shine his shoes, when he was an O.P.P. Mom had a great bond with him. He often dropped into our store in Port Elgin as he was going by on his snowmobile with his pals. We would ask him “where are you going today Ken?” Just going to tobermorie and back .
Janet Dekker
I am so sorry to read of Ken’s passing. We worked together at Champion for many years and always had a good chat and lots of laughs whenever we would meet. My sympathy to you and your family Gert. Thinking of you all.
Judy and Paul Kelly
Gertie and family
We were neighbors on Young street for many years. He always had the time to stop and chat and share a story. A very respectful neighbour. Hold all your wonderful memories close to your heart at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky and Dave and Joan Crawford McIvor
So sorry for your loss Gertie and family. Ken was always a friendly man. Cherish your memories . Deepest sympathies to all
Annette Ritchie
Aunt Gert, Scott, Wendy and family, Brad and Ron
It did not surprise me that Uncle Ken would choose his exit date. He was just that driven, organized and realistic. Even though the decision was his to make, it doesn’t make it any less sad or difficult for you to bear.
We are thinking of you.
Annette and Jim
Nancy and Junior White
We extend to Gert and all of her family our sincere sympathy…..Junior and Ken go back to school days a
nd when they would meet there would be a gabfest…..It is a very sad day for Junior to know his probably oldest friend has passed……Ken was a good man…..may he rest in peace!!!
Connie Tasker
So sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was such a wonderful man and became a real friend of mine. I would see him at Goderich Place quite often and then also when he was a driver for one care and picked Scott up at bowling. He also met me years ago when my father passed and Ken was the opp that came to the house. He always had such a nice smile and kind heart and I am sure you will miss him a lot. Rest in Peace Ken!
Arletta Heaps
My memories of Mr. Wilson are always of a big smile and lots of laughter. Seems so long ago but like yesterday.
My sincere sympathies to the Wilson family. May your many happy memories overshadow your grief.
Hugs,
Arletta (Martin) Heaps
Jim and Pat Martin
Dear Gert, Scott, Brad and families, Words will never begin to express the sorrow we feel for you. Be assured of our loving support and caring thoughts, with love and sympathy.
Donna Cooke Brander
My uncle Kenny was a very special man. My life was made richer from the fact that he was in it. You could always count on uncle Kenny for anything. In the words of one of my children Uncle Kenny gave the best hugs that you felt right down into your soul. He made sure you knew you were deeply loved and we all deeply loved him. We will all miss you every day, but hold incredibly tightly to all the wonderful memories we all share together.
Laura Johnston
Sorry to read of Ken’s passing. Someone I have known all my life, being a Saltford neighbour when we were kids, and friend of Kens sister. I am sure he will be missed.
John & Barb White
Barb & I are so sorry to hear of Ken’s Passing, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gertie and Family. John & Barb White
judi williams
My deepest sympathy to Gert and all the families… Cherish the many good memories you have made RIP Ken…
Jim Clark
Sorry to hear about ken ,I always enjoyed his visits and his music .he will be missed. Jim and Mabel clark.