Ken Battle of Ottawa passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, at the age of 77, after a courageous struggle with Lewy body dementia. Born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1947, Ken lived in Edmonton before moving to Ottawa as a teenager. He attended Bell High School and earned his B.A. (Hon.) from Queen’s University in Kingston. Ken was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, which led him to Nuffield College, Oxford, where he obtained an M.Phil.
Ken dedicated much of his professional life to social justice. He served as the director of the National Council of Welfare before founding the Caledon Institute of Social Policy in 1992. Under his leadership, the Caledon Institute played a significant role in advancing Canadian welfare legislation, including the development of the National Child Benefit Program. His tireless advocacy for social equity earned him the honor of Member of the Order of Canada in 2000.
Ken is survived by his beloved daughter Erin (Richard Chen), brother Murray (Louise Blouin), sister Ellen, nephews Tyler and Curtis, and former wives Ruth Jamieson and Melanie Hess. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues, friends, and the many lives he touched, both personally and professionally. He was predeceased by his wife Laurie McIntyre.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ken loved the outdoors, sharing canoe trips, cross-country skiing adventures, and foreign travels with his friends. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to loyal friends Ed Tamagno and Betsy Mann, his caregivers from Seniors on Site, and the staff at Amica Westboro Park for their exceptional care and companionship.
Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to organizations supporting social justice or dementia research. Condolences may be shared online through Basic Funerals.
