Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Kenneth Hastie announce his sudden passing in his 75th year on August 30th, 2022, at North Bay General Hospital. Ken will be sadly missed by his wife Elaine (Liberty) of 50 years, his sons Kevin, and Kurtis (Melanie), his grandchildren, Aidan, Ronan, Mila, Joshua, and Zachary. He will also be missed by his brothers Garth (Shannon), Peter (Maureen), and Joe (Darlene) as well as his mother and father-in-law Cyril and Elda Liberty and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved sister Andrea and his parents, William, and Winnifred Hastie. Ken also had many friends who were like family to him.
Ken was born to World War II veterans Bill and Winnie to whom he owes his sense of adventure, love of service to others and his work ethic. He graduated from Huntsville Highschool in 1969 and later from Laurentian University with an Honors Bachelor of Commerce in 1976. He had an obvious talent in finances and accounting, receiving the Nipissing Book Award for the highest first year accounting scores. He later worked at Fabrene Inc as a Purchasing Manager from 1986 to 2003, when he retired but never stopped working. Some may also remember him as the owner of Near North Rubber Stamp, and Near North Promotions from 1989 to 1998. In his “retirement” Ken worked for Investors Group, becoming a Certified Health Insurance Specialist, and a Registered Health Underwriter, winning the award for Community Service as well as Associate Consultant of the Year in 2014. Ken never did anything half-way.
Ken was passionate about his community and his Catholic faith. It was obvious that he believed strongly in giving back and in helping people in need. He generously devoted many hours to volunteering, as the Chairperson of the Holy Name Parish Council in the 1980’s, as well as Finance Chairperson of the Holy Name Parish Council from 1978 to 1980. He also volunteered at the Pro-Cathedral. Recently, Ken retired as the President of the Right to Life organization, a cause he was most passionate about.
Ken gave back to his community because he wanted to help and support his fellow citizens by creating an improved place for others to live. He did this by devoting his time to the Mayor’s Commission for Economic Development, and the North Bay Economic Development Commission, receiving a Recognition Award from the mayor for his dedication to the citizens of North Bay.
Over the years he took on other important roles, such as President of the North Bay and District Canadian Club, member of the Rotary Club (Chair Speaker Series), and chairperson of The North Bay Terry Fox run.
Ken loved sports and his sons will always remember him on the sidelines at their sporting events, cheering them on, or coaching their baseball teams. In addition to supporting his sons’ endeavors in sports, he stepped up to become President of the North Bay Association of Basketball Officials, President of the North Bay Baseball Association in 1994, and Umpire in Chief for the North Bay Baseball Association in 1994. In 2014 Ken was inducted into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame, receiving the Dominico Family Award for his outstanding contribution to the game of softball/baseball. Ken was passionate about basketball and was recognized for 35 years of service to the game of basketball by the Ontario Association of Basketball Officials, as well as 25-years of service to the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials.
Ken was also an avid outdoorsman. His family will cherish their memories of back-country camping trips in Algonquin Park, sharing stories about Ken carrying an 80-pound canoe, with two young sons, his adoring wife, a very happy dog “Angie”, and paddling to safety during stormy weather. He was talented at sharing stories in detail about the years raising his family and loved to laugh at the funny parts.
He enjoyed fishing trips and golfing at home or in Florida with his friends. At home he could be found cooking delicious meals for his family or in his flower and vegetable garden, showing off the most beautiful blooms and plump tomatoes. His passing has left a void in the lives of his wife Elaine, his sons, and grandchildren. His friends and family will forever miss him. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at North Bay General Hospital for taking care of Ken and for their compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers please donate to Right to Life and Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
The family will be receiving visitors at the McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on Thursday September 1, 2022, between the hours of 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption on Friday September 2, 2022, at 10am. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com
May 9 1947 August 30 2022 (age 75)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Kenneth Ken William Hastie May 9 1947 August 30 2022 (age 75)..
Décès pour la Ville:North-Bay,, Province: Ontario