SUGGITT, Kenneth William “Ken” – At Royal Terrace Long Term Care, Palmerston on Sunday, March 6, 2022, Ken went to be with his Lord and Saviour after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease in his 85th year, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves to mourn Bernice (née Duncan), his wife of 61 plus years; two sons: Duncan (Heather) and Donald (Connie); grandchildren: James (Sarah) and Trevor (Tammy) Ruggles, Bethany, Sarah and Meredith Suggitt; great-grandchildren: Chloe, Madalyn and Abagail Ruggles; siblings: Earl, Allan (Carol) and Reta Craig; sisters-in-law Shirley Suggitt, Lynjean Gorman, Lillian Duncan, Donna Cressman, Adele Dickson (Bryan), Arlene Turner (Milton), Marjorie McMullen (Brian), Thelma Rawn (Barry); as well as many, many (great and great-great) nieces and nephews.
Ken was predeceased by his daughter Denise (2018), parents Melville and Rae (née Hellyer) Suggitt, brother Ivan (2020), parents-in-law George and Hilda (née Small) Duncan, brothers-in-law Ralph Duncan (2012), Wayne Craig (2018), Edward Gorman (2000) and Ronald Cressman (2007).
Shortly after marriage, Ken and Bernice moved to Fort Erie where Ken spent most of his teaching career and where they raised their family. During that time, he proofed the “new Math” text for the Board of Education. The introduction of personal computers into the classroom gave him a lot of time instructing young (and old) minds how to navigate this new technology. He taught in Fort Erie Senior Elementary School (grades 7 & 8) for the 20-year duration of that school before they moved back to all grades in all schools. He retired from Rose Seaton School in 1992 as they celebrated its hundredth year of education.
In retirement, Ken and Bernice did some travelling and of course spent cherished time with family. He became the go to ‘handyman’ which included keeping computers running smoothly and was thoroughly enjoyed.
Ken was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Fort Erie where he was a Church Clerk for 38 years and served on many boards and committees. He also spent time on the Board of Matthew House Refugee Centre and Erie Christian Academy. In many of these situations ‘handyman’ was the greatest service they needed and he willingly provided it.
In late 2013 after Parkinson’s took its toll, they moved to Mount Forest. This put them closer to family and back in the area where they had spent the early years of their lives.
Visitation will be held at the England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, on Wednesday, March 16th from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, 116 Fergus Street North, Mount Forest, on Thursday, March 17th at 11:00 a.m. Masks are mandatory. To view the service livestream, please visit: www.facebook.com/England-Funeral-Home-1863283503935858. Private interment will be held at Greenfield Cemetery, Arthur. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ken are asked to consider the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or Matthew House Refugee Ministry (Fort Erie).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth William “Ken Suggitt 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Mount-Forest, Province: Ontario