Estee, Kenneth Edgar
September 16 1930 to December 7 2023
Just after midnight, Ken was reunited with the love of his life, Edythe. Surrounding him with love and gratitude, holding his hands as he peacefully left this world were his beloved daughter, Elysia, and Georgina, for whom Ken was like a father from an early age.
Ken will be remembered as a man of many gifts, none greater than his extraordinary warmth and kindness.
An elegant clothier by trade, and longtime owner of the Villager Men’s Shop, Ken’s many loyal clients trusted his exquisite sense of style. He grew up on Hamilton Mountain, the son of Tully and Georgia and beloved baby brother of Elsie, Vernon, and Marion. With his many boyhood friends, Ken excelled at hockey, tennis, and football. At the same time, he achieved the Toronto Conservatory of Music Grade 8 piano with honours and, at the age of 12, won first place in the 1943 “under 16” piano forte solo competition at the Hamilton Eisteddfod.
In addition to his other remarkable talents, Ken’s whole life was shaped by caregiving. As a young boy, Ken formed a loving bond with his neighbours, Peter and Alma Dover. At the age of 12, Ken moved in with Alma to care for her after Peter’s death, shoveling coal and snow, and maintaining her home and spirits for many years. As a young father, he rocked Elysia through sleepless nights when she struggled to breathe with severe bronchitis. As a devoted husband, Ken lovingly cared for Edythe’s every need upon her confinement to a wheelchair until her untimely passing in 1999.
Ken’s spirit lives on in those who love and cherish his memory including Elysia (Chris Reid), Georgina Carson, Tom McCutcheon, and many others Ken blessed with his selfless and loving ways throughout his 93 years. Ken’s last few months were indelibly enhanced by the unique relationships both he and Elysia formed with the compassionate and devoted memory care team at the Village of Wentworth Heights. Dementia never stole Ken’s kindness, humour or his musicality. He never stopped sounding like a pro, singing with panache a diverse range of musical genres from John Denver to Nat King Cole. We are eternally grateful for the dignity and respect shown to Ken in his final chapter.
“Daddio – you are the wind beneath my wings”
Please join us in celebrating Ken’s life at M. A. Clark Funeral Home (567 Upper Wellington Street) on December 11th. Visitation at 11am, service at noon, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or the Alzheimer's Society.