After a rich and varied life of 92 years, Ken McDonald passed away peacefully in the hospital with his family by his side. He was a devoted husband to Lucie for 68 years and a loving father to his four children: Catherine (Frank), Vivian (John), Jacqueline, and Michael (Amanda). His eight grandchildren—Kyle, Brendan, Emily, Scott, Laurel, Mark, Sarah, and Aimee—and seven great-grandchildren: Holden, Cordelia, Thea, Olivia, Lucie, Jack, and James, will carry precious memories of him. Ken was a playful and caring Grandpa.
Ken briefly attended McGill University before joining the RCAF, inspired by his cousin’s pilot’s uniform. It was while stationed in France that he met Lucie, who returned to Canada with him to build a beautiful life together.
Known for his strong sense of responsibility, Ken also had a soft heart. Early in his career at GMAC, while tasked with repossessing a TV from a family with young children, he stayed to let them finish their show and even left them each a quarter. He soon moved into data management services, later retiring from EDS in 1992 after proudly completing his degree part-time through the University of Toronto in 1990.
Family vacations to Wasaga Beach, Cape Cod, and Florida with his siblings Bryce (Kay), Robert (Evelyn), and Gail (Barry) were treasured times, as were his travel adventures with Lucie. Together, they explored destinations in Europe, Russia, China, and more, with Ken often behind the camera capturing each journey.
Ken was a role model, a devoted family man, and the epitome of a good human being. His humor, kindness, and ability to laugh at himself made him a cherished figure in the lives of all who knew him. We are deeply saddened by his passing but grateful for the countless memories and the legacy of love and laughter he leaves behind. He truly lived a life well lived, and we will miss him dearly.
A private family celebration of Ken’s life will take place in the spring.
