Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Blue Water Rest Home, Zurich. Cherished dad of Christie VanBruaene (Mike), Kay Straf (Shane), and Jessica Kinsman (Andrew). Loving grandpa to Robert, Noah, and Emma VanBruaene; Hunter and Lumin Straf; and Naomi and Damon Kinsman. Fondly remembered by his brother-in-law, Kent, and his two nephews, Trevor and Tyler Bresson. Predeceased by his parents, Lorne and Kaye Coutts, and his sister, Karen Bresson.
Ken was known for his social and outgoing personality; there was nowhere he could go without running into someone he knew. He loved being outdoors, especially camping and fishing, which were among his favourite hobbies. You would often catch him out on a drive through the countryside, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
In Ken’s memory, the family encourages everyone to dress up this Halloween—his favourite holiday.
In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Grand Bend Legion, 20 Municipal Drive on Sunday, October 26th, from 1 – 5 PM.
The family has asked that you please share a story, a laugh, or a memory of good times shared.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Blue Water Rest Home in Ken’s memory.
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).
Lori Tieman
To Ken’s family,
What a guy! Despite everything he was dealing with, he always had a smile and a story. He was a one of a kind character who has left his mark and no one will soon forget him. I am thankful to have known him and call him a friend. My your many memories of this great guy carry with you and remind you on the sad days that he lived life large and his legacy will carry on through each of you. His family meant the world to him. My sympathy to all of you.
Rob Ducharme
I would like to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Ken’s family
Brenda Andres
Denis and I loved coming to Mount Forest to see the gang and Ken would show up to the gathering and entertain us with hillarious stories and jokes. Condolences to your friends and families. RIP Ken
Denis and Brenda Andres from Kingsville
Paul and Sue Robinson
Dear Jessica and Andrew, Naomi, Damen.
So very sorry to here of the passing of your Dad/ Grandpa.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul and Sue Robinson
Jan Easton
To all Ken’s Family,
I’m so sorry to see this announcement about Ken.
I worked at Arc Angel’s Thrift Store for many years and Ken was a favorite customer. He was always positive and joked with us, even when we knew he was struggling with his health.
He would often help me price tools, music equipment, etc when I wasn’t sure how to price them. He would help me fix items, as well.
It was a pleasure and honour to know Ken! Sending his family my care!
Jan Easton
Robert Jeffrey
So sorry for your loss great memories
Karn Durdin
Our deepest sympathy to Ken’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Karn Durdin and Don Thornton
April Truax
Thinking of you during this difficult time. I have memories childhood memories of Ken and the house in Parkhill, pool parties, and good eats!
Jim Oesch
To Kenny’s family
Sorry to hear of Kenny passing ,he was a great fellow and always happy . He will be missed by many .
Roberta and Michael
Our condolences to all that knew and loved Ken. I will miss our fishing chats-we would often send him obscure fishing locations-and he always knew where we were by a rock or tree, or the bend in the river. We will remember him as a proud father, grandpa, and a kind soul. Fish on.
Sheri Johnson
My sincere condolences to the Coutts family … Ken was a great guy. Always smiling and making ppl laugh. He will be missed by many. RIP KEN
Donna Arnold
RIP Ken. Kay and family, may you find comfort in the memories you made together. My condolences to you all.
Rick & Beth McGee
We want to pass on our sincere sympathy to Ken’s family.
We appreciated his protectiveness toward our daughter when she worked in Grand Bend in the past, especially late at night. She was definitely sorrowed when hearing of his passing.
Ken definitely had his share of mishaps in his life. He can now live in peace without pain.
Rob Rau
So sorry for your loss Christie and family. I will miss seeing your dad travelling down Gulley Line on a regular basis keeping an eye on things.
Dave kew
Dave Kew; sorry to hear this wish the family well we have a lot of memories I will miss you and your laugh
Wendy Bedard
Christie, Mike and all of Ken’s family:
I enjoyed seeing Ken when I visited Aubrey at the Rest Home. He was a pleasure to talk to and thought a lot of my husband for which I greatly appreciated. May God carry you all through the difficult days that follow; you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol&Dale Small
Deepest Sympathy to all of Ken’s loved ones. Dale and I have different memories of Ken .Dale’s childhood memories in Conn mine from our schooldays in Mt.Forest. So happy that we connected through Facebook a number of years ago. Ken we’ll miss your posts that kept us chuckling. I know that those that have gone on before you will be so happy to have you with them.
Christie & Dale Allen
Christie, Mike and family:
Sending you our heartfelt condolences at this time. Ken was always eager to chat when we would see each other and always had a smile that lit up the room. Take solace in knowing he is at peace and we can guarantee someone was waiting for him with a beer in his hand.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Ruth and Rick
In our hearts forever. We will of course keep going out for your birthday lunch. It is a tradition. You will be missed❤️
Erich & Cheryl Freiter
Ken would always travel the lonely stretch of McDonald Line. If I was in the field he would always stop to chat and catch up. If I wasn’t in the fields, he would always leave something of himself along the road…. empty
Coors Banquet cans always in same locations, same part of the day…
He was a fine person and friend…
RIP Ken…
Ken Oesch
My Sincere Condolences.
I have known that guy close to 40 years, way too many stories. Although I don’t know any of his family he was very proud of you guys.
RIP Kenny
Keith Hurman
Many good times with Ken, he always made people smile. Ken will be missed by many. Till we meet again, RIP Ken
Julia and Phil Webster
Sad for you guys, Kate, Christie and Jess and families. He was sure a character and will be missed. RIP KEN.
Bob Oesch
So sorry for your loss.
Victor Smith
My deepest condolences to Ken’s family.
I worked with Ken during the mid80s at Standard Auto Glass.
He will always be remembered as a larger than life friend.
Kent Benson
Sorry to hear about my childhood friend Ken and in later years still my friend oh what good times we had in Conn and in the same grade in school rest in peace old friend
Dave
My condolences to you all. He was a great guy. A well know grand bender. Most of my memories of him would be from the Finnaggins days. Such a great little bar who’s staff made it what it was and he was big part of that. Like the bar his presence will be missed