Obituary for Ken Reid
REID, Kenneth Frederick February 8, 1952 – May 24, 2020
Remembering Ken
Ken’s life journey ended on Sunday, May 24th, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. He is survived by his wife, Helen and his two sons, Christopher, Dylan, and his wife Victoria. His father, Hugh Edwin Reid, predeceased him in 1995.
Ken is also survived by his mother, Cora Lucy Reid (Gray), his brothers David and wife Mary Anne, Paul, Bill, Charles, and wife Vickey, and sisters Carolyn Campbell and husband Doug, Ruth McKenny, and husband Justin. He is remembered by aunt Vera Lyons, aunt Viola (Vi) Moon, uncle “Willie” Gray and wife Alice, aunt Faye Reid, aunt Jean Reid, nephews, nieces, many cousins, brothers and sister’s in-laws, and many friends.
Ken’s career had several diverse and enriching paths. After graduating from Western University, he worked as computer programmer and software developer for 25 years. He worked on many projects for local companies. The projects he enjoyed the most during these years were the opportunities to develop and install software for First Nations across Ontario. The farthest fly-in community he experienced was the Ojibway First Nation in Pikangikum. When he left the software development business, he decided he wanted a complete change and worked in real estate for two years. However, when approached with an opportunity to take on IT and consulting contracts for the Cree Kashechewan First Nation on James Bay, he was intrigued with the challenge, and accepted contracts for over a five-year period. He consulted on information technology as well as teaching a few courses in mathematics and computer studies. For the last four years Ken was a part time instructor in the Mathematics Department for Fanshawe College.
His interests were varied. He enjoyed the Current Events and History courses and the Travel Club at the Ingersoll Senior Centre, where he was a member. He learned Bridge and participated in tournaments and recently enrolled in the Chair Yoga Class. Ken had a passion for crossword puzzles and building the jigsaw puzzles which he brought home from the Centre. His favorite music was jazz, and he was a member of the London Jazz Society where he attended many events. He followed hockey and baseball and enjoyed making the trips to see the Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers. His goal was to see a major league baseball game in as many U.S. cities as possible and hence, trips were scheduled to ensure a game was included on the itinerary. Ken enjoyed travelling and sharing his experiences with the Travel Club. He often “indulged” Helen by joining her on numerous treks and these too, had to be included in their travel plans. Learning about wines, visiting vineyards on travels, and making selections for occasions were events he embraced.
Ken was an active parish member of Sacred Heart Parish Ingersoll involved in several ministries and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Recently he was volunteering at the Oxford Alzheimer’s Society assisting in the Walk for Alzheimer’s.
Many emails, texts, phone calls and personal messages arrived shortly after friends and family learned about Ken’s condition. These were all read to Ken before he left us. All messages had a common theme. Ken was a kind, patient, and compassionate man. Perhaps this one email says it he best. Ken was a “gentle” man.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or charity of your choice are appreciated. Ken donated his eyes to give the gift of sight. A private family gravesite celebration will be held at Reidville Cemetery in Reidville, Ontario.
Arrangements entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll 519425-1600.
Personal condolences may be sent at www.mcbeathdynes.ca
Remembering Ken
Ken’s life journey ended on Sunday, May 24th, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. He is survived by his wife, Helen and his two sons, Christopher, Dylan, and his wife Victoria. His father, Hugh Edwin Reid, predeceased him in 1995.
Ken is also survived by his mother, Cora Lucy Reid (Gray), his brothers David and wife Mary Anne, Paul, Bill, Charles, and wife Vickey, and sisters Carolyn Campbell and husband Doug, Ruth McKenny, and husband Justin. He is remembered by aunt Vera Lyons, aunt Viola (Vi) Moon, uncle “Willie” Gray and wife Alice, aunt Faye Reid, aunt Jean Reid, nephews, nieces, many cousins, brothers and sister’s in-laws, and many friends.
Ken’s career had several diverse and enriching paths. After graduating from Western University, he worked as computer programmer and software developer for 25 years. He worked on many projects for local companies. The projects he enjoyed the most during these years were the opportunities to develop and install software for First Nations across Ontario. The farthest fly-in community he experienced was the Ojibway First Nation in Pikangikum. When he left the software development business, he decided he wanted a complete change and worked in real estate for two years. However, when approached with an opportunity to take on IT and consulting contracts for the Cree Kashechewan First Nation on James Bay, he was intrigued with the challenge, and accepted contracts for over a five-year period. He consulted on information technology as well as teaching a few courses in mathematics and computer studies. For the last four years Ken was a part time instructor in the Mathematics Department for Fanshawe College.
His interests were varied. He enjoyed the Current Events and History courses and the Travel Club at the Ingersoll Senior Centre, where he was a member. He learned Bridge and participated in tournaments and recently enrolled in the Chair Yoga Class. Ken had a passion for crossword puzzles and building the jigsaw puzzles which he brought home from the Centre. His favorite music was jazz, and he was a member of the London Jazz Society where he attended many events. He followed hockey and baseball and enjoyed making the trips to see the Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers. His goal was to see a major league baseball game in as many U.S. cities as possible and hence, trips were scheduled to ensure a game was included on the itinerary. Ken enjoyed travelling and sharing his experiences with the Travel Club. He often “indulged” Helen by joining her on numerous treks and these too, had to be included in their travel plans. Learning about wines, visiting vineyards on travels, and making selections for occasions were events he embraced.
Ken was an active parish member of Sacred Heart Parish Ingersoll involved in several ministries and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Recently he was volunteering at the Oxford Alzheimer’s Society assisting in the Walk for Alzheimer’s.
Many emails, texts, phone calls and personal messages arrived shortly after friends and family learned about Ken’s condition. These were all read to Ken before he left us. All messages had a common theme. Ken was a kind, patient, and compassionate man. Perhaps this one email says it he best. Ken was a “gentle” man.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or charity of your choice are appreciated. Ken donated his eyes to give the gift of sight. A private family gravesite celebration will be held at Reidville Cemetery in Reidville, Ontario.
Arrangements entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll 519425-1600.
Personal condolences may be sent at www.mcbeathdynes.ca