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HAMMOND, Kenneth Fredrick

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Photo Hammond, Kenneth

Kenneth Fredrick Hammond, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday Feb 6th, 2021. Ken is survived by his beautiful wife Alva (Graham) who he wed in 2002. Ken survived his late wife Mary (Dean) who he was wed to for 51 wonderful years. Together they parented 5 children, Bob (deceased), Dean (Julie), Kent (former spouse Nancy), Stuart (Joanne) and Susan (Alex). Ken loved and was unabashedly proud of each of his 7 grandchildren, Laura, Michael and Katelyn (Kyle), Leigh and Dean and Annemarie and Mary. Being computer savvy, he maintained a close relationship with his grandchildren and their partners until the week before his death. Ken was filled with gratitude for a long wonderful life. He is now dealing with “Life after Life”, as he thought of it.
Ken was born in 1925 in Shelburne On, to parents Fredrick and Annie Hammond. He is predeceased by his sister, Hilda Thomson and survived by her son David. June 8, 1943 Ken turned 18 and graduated from Shelburne High School. He was allowed to skip writing his final exams in order to join the R.C.A.F.  He served proudly in the R.C.A.F. from 1943 to 1946. He graduated from University of Toronto in 1949 with a Bachelors Degree in Arts and Education. Ken joined O.D.C.V.I. in 1950 and served 31 years as a classroom teacher including 10 years as Principal.  He believed that staff should act as “Family” and that each teacher had a unique opportunity to act as a role model to their students. Ken chaired the Industrial Arts Subject Council, the Ontario Secondary School Teacher Federation of District 17, and the Headmaster Association through his service as a Teacher and Principal. As a member of St. Paul’s United Church for over 60 years, Ken served as an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent. In addition, he was a member of the Orillia Minor Hockey Association, the Jaycee and Rotarian Clubs. In retirement he served as a board member of the Cancer Society and The Salvation Army.
Ken enjoyed the company of family members including all of Mary’s nephews and nieces as well as his wife Alva’s children, Debbie (Bryan) and David (Lynne). He enjoyed cross-country skiing, golf and travel. Ken was a sought-after guy for fixing just about anything. From repairing clocks to patching old metal boats, there was very little he could not mend or invent. Sometimes aesthetics escaped him but when done, things magically functioned once again. He spent hours in his workshop making presents for family and friends.
We will remember Ken as an eternal optimist who believed the world needs extravagant love and a good laugh.
The family would like to thank Dr. Marc Italiano for the care and compassion he gave Ken over the years. Special thanks to Sheri Forbes-Taylor, RN from Bayshore, the Doctors and Staff at OSMH, and finally his pharmacist Yash from City Med Pharmacy.  Contributions in memory of Ken can be sent to Building Hope (http://orillialighthouse.ca/) or St. Pauls United Church (http://www.stpaulscentre.ca).
Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held Sat Feb 13th at 11am. Please go to stpaulscentre.ca  where you will find a link to view the ceremony live via YouTube.

 




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