Ken McLeod: 1922-2013

SooToday.com received the following announcement from Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre regarding former R.C.A.F ground crew tech, engineer, alderman, Court Balliff, builder and Trent University’s oldest full-time student, Ken McLeod.

He is survived by four children: John (Shannon), Karen, Janet (Steve Roedde) and Heather (Dev Minty).

He is also survived by eight grandchildren (Erin and Scott, Jenni and Christy, Zak and Nigel, Robin and Kendra), as well as eight great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his wife, the love of his life, Grace, as well as by his parents, John and Eliza McLeod (originally from Cloudslee), and his brothers John (Elta) and Gordon McLeod.

Ken could be called a Renaissance Man. He built well-constructed homes, put together a delicious stew, held public office, worked as a manager and on road construction, grew a perfect tomato, and he could deliver an informative and thoughtful treatise on the Roman Empire.

He was guided by a sturdy moral compass and a very strong sense of justice. He was honest and hardworking, principled, domineering and decisive, curious, and, at times, very fun loving.

He was well read and interested in a broad range of intellectual topics, especially history and politics and was an alderman in his twenties, acting on his passion for politics and civic duty.

He also served as a member of the R.C.A.F. working as a ground crew technician at the base in York from 1942 to 1945.

He returned to the Sault and was employed at Algoma Steel as a stationary engineer.

He then worked as the Division Court Bailiff for several years until he was able to realize his lifelong dream of going back to school.

He became Trent University’s oldest full time student at the age of 45, graduating with an Honour B.A. in History and Political Science.

His broad range of skills and ability to problem solve made him an ideal candidate for a job with American Can in the town of Marathon.

His portfolio included acting as the Town Properties Manager, performing as liaison with the government on environmental issues, and assisting in turning the town from a “company town” into a modern mainstream corporation.

He retired at the age of 60, eventually making his way back to the Sault. The Davey Home staff became his family in the last few years.

He was often asked about ‘who he was prior to his dementia’ because he still liked to hold meetings, to be the centre of attention, make people laugh and to charm the women.

We are so grateful to all the staff of second floor Birch and Cedar. Your respect, compassion, professionalism and gentleness throughout his residency and his death has comforted all of us.

Family and friends are welcome to an informal gathering at the Quality Inn (180 Bay St.) on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 3-5 p.m.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions to the Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen or the charity of your choice would be appreciated or please do something special with your family.

(Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre 705-759-2522) Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

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