The family of Ken Willoughby are sad to announce his death on Monday, October 24, 2022 in London, Ontario, at the age 88. He died peacefully in his den with Shirley (Nelin), his wife of 65 years and their three sons with him. It was a beautiful day and he could see the sun glistening off all of the trees that were in full colour at Springbank Park. Loving Father of Scott (Kathy), Jamie (Michelle) and Moe (Andrea). Grandfather of Brennan, Melissa (Hogg), Cam, Morley and Mitchell. Big Papa to Aiden, Jackson, Jordan and Miles and devoted brother to Rea (Nesbitt).
Ken was born in Regina to Morley and Florence (Tutt). He enjoyed growing up there and spending summers at the family cottage at Clear Lake Manitoba. He then went on to finish his high school at St. Andrews College in Aurora just north of Toronto. After taking a little time off away from school he registered to attend Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Ken and Shirley met in Canada, were married in 1957 at Clear Lake and they lived in Colorado Springs until Ken graduated in 1960.
After graduating they moved to Toronto where Ken was hired as a stock broker by Dominion Securities which is now part of RBC. As his career advanced he was transferred to Thunder Bay for a few years and then back to Toronto. He was then offered the opportunity to move to London to manage the Dominion Securities office there which he did up until his retirement in 1984. Ken embraced the community as soon as moved to London. He joined the London Hunt & CC, the London Club and the London Squash Club. He eventually got involved with London YMCA and moved up to become their President for a term. He was also involved in the London Community Foundation and supported many other charities in the area.
Ken and Shirley enjoyed their cottage at Clear Lake Manitoba. Ken’s Mother and Father still had a cottage there and so did his sister and her husband Jack. Shirley’s sister Donna and her husband George also had a cottage there for a few years and Shirley’s Mom (Wilma) and father (Arnett) lived fairly close for a number of years. Ken’s family got to spend summers there enjoying the comradery of their extended family while he spent most of the summer back home working.
Ken loved his family but he also loved travel and the outdoors. He took his family on many wonderful trips and he and Shirley explored many parts of the world on various excursions. He was a member of the London Hunt & CC for over 50 years, where his 3 sons were introduced to the game of golf. Shirley eventually had the time to start golfing and they traveled together to many of the finest golf courses in the world. His love of the outdoors didn’t end with golf. He was an avid fisherman, upland game and waterfowl hunter. He traveled to many parts of North America and even South America in pursuit of unique and scenic hunting and fishing experiences. Being the family man that he was he brought his sons on a few of these trips to enjoy their company while embracing these memorable outdoor experiences together.
Shirley appreciated all of the Medical Care that Ken received. Special mention to RN Keehan, The MAID team and the PSW’s from Medical Priorities. Jess and Val became friends during their six month of caring.
The funeral service will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a short visitation at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Life that will be held at the London Hunt & Country Club at 12:30 p.m. A livestream of the service will be available for friends and family who are unable to attend the service.
To register for the livestream, please click here: Register page for Ken’s service on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ken are asked to consider the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Charles Kendall ‘Ken’ Willoughby October 24 2022..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario