It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, father-in-law and grandfather, Ken Kitchen. Ken passed away on June 26th at the age of 94. Ken was living independently until May when he suffered a fall that seriously injured him, hospitalized him and later passed away. Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jerry (1995) and partner, Barb McDonald (2011). Ken traveled the world with Jerry and Barb. He is outlived by all his siblings and their spouses, including Lloyd and Thelma, Jack and Louisa, Joyce and Pat, Chuck and Carol, Harold Jr. and Carol, Carol Kitchen (Dawson), and Betty and Fred Nechtel. Some of his fondest memories and most loved times are spent at his cottage in Port Dover with his whole family together enjoying the beach, boating and lake. He loved his extended family and was also an uncle to 25 nephews and nieces with whom he kept in regular contact as “Patriarch”.
Ken was a really funny and very witty guy. He had hundreds of one-liners and 'dad jokes' and could see the bright side of almost everything. He loved cars and driving and was devastated when he had to give up his licence last September, but he got used to driving with Shelley and was delighted to be able to pass his car on to his grandson Will.
During his career, Ken Kitchen served as sales director, general manager, vice president and ultimately president and majority shareholder of Rockwood Manufacturing, where he made many great friends and memories.
Ken was a generous man with a keen ear. He was always willing to give of his time and help to friends and family, always willing to invest in and support worthy causes. Part of Ken's charm was his curiosity and genuine interest in people. Of course, this curiosity also made him a great conversationalist, a real asset in any social situation. In later years, his hearing impairment posed some challenges, but it didn't stop him from engaging in engaging conversations about his grandchildren, current events, the stock market, and more.
To those lucky enough to know him well, Ken was a gentleman, a friend and a genuinely good person, but his greatest joys in life were Claire and Will and, along with Shelley and Cam, Ken was able to passionately celebrate their sporting, academic and life achievements.
Ken loved Shelley and her family dearly and always made sure they knew they were his only priority.
It may be a cliché, but he lived a truly full life: he loved and he was loved.
He is an unforgettable person.
To borrow the words of Winston Churchill, Ken's conscience guided him, and his actions will forever be a shield to his memory.
Family and friends will attend a memorial reception on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 1:00-3:30 PM at McClister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road North, Brantford. Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Brantford General Hospital Foundation or the Arnold Anderson Sports Fund. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at mccleisterfuneralhome.ca. McClister (519) 758-1553
