Dumais, Kenneth Paul 'Ken'
Kenneth “Ken” Paul Dumais, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, beloved teacher, artist and musician, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5th in his 79th year.
Husband to Linda (nee McKillip), father to Ethan, papère to Edward and Mia, brother to Dennis (Christine) and Fred (2021) (Nina).
Time spent with his grandchildren brought him immense happiness, and he delighted in sharing stories, laughter, and quiet moments with them.
Known for his boundless creativity, quick wit, and genuine kindness, Ken had a rare gift: he made people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they imagined. As a teacher, he did far more than teach a subject – he inspired curiosity, confidence, and laughter.
Creativity was not only central to his teaching, but to his life. Ken was a dedicated and accomplished artist whose work spanned many forms. He approached art with patience, curiosity and joy, finding meaning in the process as much as the final piece.
His love of nature extended into camping where he felt most at home under open skies and among the quiet beauty of the outdoors. This passion has been passed on to Ethan, Ben, Patrick, Adam, Emily and many others.
Friends and colleagues will remember Ken for his warmth, humour, generosity and ability to bring people together. Whether through a perfectly timed joke, a creative project or a thoughtful conversation, he left a lasting impression on the countless lives he touched as a family man, teacher, friend, mentor and artist. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.
As your expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or a Charity of your Choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Make a donation in memory of Kenneth Paul 'Ken' Dumais
Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation or a Charity of your ChoiceDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Linda, Ethan and family, our condolences at this time of loss. Will always remember Ken as a light to all he met.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda. My sincere condoléances at this very sad time for you and your family. Hold all the wonderful memories close.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda and Family
Though and prayers threw this difficult time
Cherish the memories
Mr D was an amazing teacher to my children and to chat lil with.
Till we meet again Mr D God bless all
❤️
Cherie Daniel Emma Carlies
Mother
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Linda & family
I am very surprised at the loss of Ken. He always seemed invincible. My kids Elana & Brett loved him as a teacher & I know Ken loved them back. He was a fun guy with a ready smile. He will be dearly missed. Many hugs Linda, another angel has left our earth. Holly, Elana & Brett
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Linda and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Linda and family, I am sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I have so many memories of him as a teacher at S.V.E
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Melissa
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Both my sister and I loved Mr. Dumais. He was young at heart, and had a special way with all students. He listened and heard us. The room lit when he walked in. He was funny and would call us out for being doy yoys. He cared and it showed. A real loss….so sorry.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda. So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts through this difficult time
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda, Ethan, and family
I am deeply saddened to hear about Ken
Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers
during this difficult time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Linda and family, it is never easy to lose a loved one. Please accept our deepest condolences. We are grateful to have known him.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
We are going to miss you at Day Away, buddy. Fly with the angels. Our condolences to your family and friends. RIP KEN⁹
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Linda ❤️
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
I will cherish his memory and won’t ever forget his laugh. He made going to school fun and treated everyone with love and kindness. My heart goes out to Linda and his family.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Another friend gone. So many wonderful memories. A life not wasted.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Ken was truly one of our favourite people! His genuine care for everyone, regardless of age, was evident in everything he did. Humble and compassionate, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. His students adored him, as he inspired them to pursue excellence, embrace laughter, and appreciate the arts. We will always cherish Ken’s warm smile, his comforting hugs, and his generous spirit. His absence will be deeply felt by all whose lives he touched. Hugs to family and friends!
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda and Family. Our sincere condolences at this very difficult time. Ken was one of a kind and will be missed. Treasure the many memories
Pat & Jan Parrish
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Our condolences to all Ken’s families
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Linda and family. We are so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Although we only spent a few short periods of time with him, he was very everything said about his kindness, humour, and personality. Hoping his memories bring you all much joy and comfort
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Linda, Ethan and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Dumais was a wonderful teacher who truly cared about his students and made learning enjoyable. I feel very lucky to have had him as a teacher and will always remember him fondly. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to your family.
Friday, January 9, 2026
To Mr. Dumais and family, I met him when I was just a young girl at Meaford Community School. He made me laugh and learn how to boost my confidence when I didn’t think anyone could, but he did. He taught me I didn’t need to be so shy either. He taught me what a real friendship meant as I got that from him the first day we met. I wish I had the chance to have seen him, so I could of given him the worlds biggest hug. My life as a child really changed when I met Mr. Dumais. May you RIP, I will never forget you. If someome could inform me when the celebration of life of life is, as I would love to go . Thinking about the family as they go through this hard time in their lives, for u all. ❤️ Ken you definitely were a teacher that I couldn’t wait for school on the days I got to spend them with you. The book you and I made together but never finished it I still have it. I was so sad to see this post.
Till we meet again RIP
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Mr. Dumais was a wonderfully kind man. He always had a smile on his face and that laugh of his. Anyone who was lucky enough to be a student of his or just in the school at the same time, will never forget this man. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all his family and friends at such a difficult time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Condolences to Linda. Hugs to the Dumais and Mckillip families.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Dear Linda, Ethan, Edward and Mia,
Ken was such a great person! Our children thought he was such a fine teacher and we admired the fact he “preferred” teaching over administration. Ken was meant to be in the classroom. Linda, we could always tell you were a tight couple where humour lived. Ken was a loving Dad and a fun “papere”. Ken will be missed by many.
Sending you our thoughts,
Lorene Taylor, Quentin Docherty and family
Thursday, January 8, 2026
My condolences to the entire family. This man was the kind of teacher that other teachers should learn from. He was incredible with us kids. So light hearted, fun and kind. He was always smiling. I will never forget him hopping up on a desk and him making his way to the back of the classroom by walking desk by desk to get the attention of some kids in the back of the room. He did this to be fun, spontaneous, he commanded his classroom in a way ill never forget. He also was an incredible coach. He braved the city of Toronto with a basketball team of grade 7 and 8 girls, taking us to a raptors game and creating memories we will never forgot. It was an honor to know this man and be taught by this man.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Linda and Ethan,
Our thoughts are truly with you. What fun times we had camping, even in the rain or just sitting on the side lines watching the game. Ken was always there to support the kids. He was our photographer, we still have some. He was also one of the most supporting teachers our boys had. A book he gave one of them has moved on to the next generation.
He will be remembered with a smile and great memories.
Jim and Mary Sue
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Dear Linda, Ethan & family, Our hearts are broken for you! Ken was always a big player in family gatherings. We will miss his smile, caring personality and his open heart. Love to all of you in your loss and always!
Jean & Bob. Xoxo
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Linda, Ethan and family, our sincere condolences. Thinking of you all at this difficult time, hold your memories close. Our prayers are with you.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was very kind to my daughter when she volunteered at the school, while attending university with the plan to teach. My son-in-law spoke highly of him.
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Linda and Ethan,
We are filled with sorrow at the loss of a very special friend and colleague. Always treasured are memories of happy times spent with you and Ken when we were all young and healthy. Love and hugs to you both.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Linda, Ethan and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father and papere . Ken’s laugh was one of a kind. I am lucky to have a painting Ken did and we enjoyed his talent of baking bread on the BBQ.
Thinking of you all.
Allison, Madi & Cam
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Dear Linda, Ethan and the grandchildren. It was with shock and sadness I read of Ken’s passing! He was so vibrant and talented I never thought he would go before me! Know I am thinking of you with love and prayers. Anne Culbertson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
My sincere sympathy to Linda and family. May you treasure all the wonderful memories you have of your very special gentleman.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Linda and family
Janet and I were very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a wonderful teacher and a real gentleman with a quick wit and great sense of humour, He will be missed by many former students and friends. May your many good memories be a blessing to you at this difficult time.
Janet and Frank
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Dear Linda and Ethan and family ,
Thinking of all of you at this sad time. I have such good memories of working together with Ken at MCS. He was an incredible teacher and a very supportive colleague. When our daughter Heather was in grade 8 , Ken was Vice Principal at MCS, and he was very involved with the Intermediate Students. Heather always referred to him as the Principal. When I corrected her and said he was the Vice Principal, she said No Mom , you’re wrong . Mr Dumais is the one that listens to us and helps us and cares about us . He watches our games and comes to practices; he’s the most important person at MCS. Ken was such an intuitive educator. Whenever there was an indoor recess or if there had been a lot of fights and arguments outside at lunchtime, Ken knew how to create a calm atmosphere at MCS. His voice would come over the PA saying , “ My friends, put your heads down on your desk and just listen.” Then we would hear Crash Test Dummies performing Superman’s Song and it always worked . It was truly an honour to work with him and his legacy will continue on in the many students whose lives had a positive outcome thanks to Ken Dumais. Rest in Peace friend.
Jennifer
Thursday, January 8, 2026
So sorry for your loss Linda and Ethan. He will be missed. It was always a treat to see him in the dental office. He always made us laugh and made his visit enjoyable
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mr. Dumais was an exceptional educator who taught with respect, kindness, humor, and passion. He had a lasting, positive impact on his students including me. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the many lives he touched.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
So sad to hear this news. Mr. Dumais was such a shining light and by far my favourite teacher. Sending lots of love to his family.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
To the family/friends of Mr. Dumais,
Mr. Dumais was one of the best teachers. I am not known to be a mathematician but somehow I got in the 90s in grade 7 because of the care and technique that Mr. Dumais put into his teaching.
We would have all day art class, he could command a room immediately with going quiet instead of raising his voice. I think everyone in my grade 7 class respected him for his passion for us to learn and his respect for us.
He was a great teacher/community member/family man.
My sympathies for your loss.
Lacey Harrison (Wyville) ❤️
Friday, January 9, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to you Linda ❤️
Friday, January 9, 2026
Linda, so sorry to hear the sad news. May the happy memories you and Ethan have provide some comfort.
Friday, January 9, 2026
So sad to read this. Mr Dumais was the best teacher and VP. He was such an incredible artist. I have such wonderful memories of him from our school days. Thinking of your family at this time.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. He was a wonderful teacher in grade 7. I still remember many things we did in his class and life lessons that were learned.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Linda and family, so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing, May the memories and times share help you and family through this difficult time.
Darlene and Michael Styles
Friday, January 9, 2026
He was the best substitute teacher I ever had at MCS. I always enjoyed when he was in our classroom, he listened and made the day fun.
He always crossed my mind in my current adult years and I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Heartfelt condolences to the entire family and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him in this life.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Linda and family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and cherish your memories.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Linda, thinking of you, Ethan and families at this difficult time. Always enjoyed working with you at the hospital.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Linda and family,
I’m am so sorry for your loss. He was such an amazing person. I remember him for his presence. Even just walking the halls of the school he just always seemed to have a calming influence. Even since my school days, no matter where I’d run into him around town he always had a big smile and a friendly “hello”. He will be missed.
Thinking of you all.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Some teachers have a way of touching the lives of their students that stays with them throughout their lives.
This is exactly what Mr. Dumais did for countless students, myself included.
He was not just a teacher, but a mentor and an amazing person.
He will be missed and cherished by all who knew him.
He was one in a million!
My heart goes out to his family and friends
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Sorry for your loss Ethan my condolences to you and your family.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
So sorry to hear this news, sending condolences to the whole family. Mr Dumais was the best teacher and truly made all of his students feel seen and heard, his classes were always filled with laughter and fun (even when he was trying to be serious) He will be missed.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Dear Linda, Ethan and family.
David and I are very sorry to read of Ken’s death. So many great memories of working with you Linda and hearing what was happening at your family and then a number of get to togethers with Ken and you. Ken was a very talented artist and David will always treasure his piece of pointillism art that Ken made for him. Keep your treasured memories close to you.
David, Muriel Hindle & family
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Dear Linda and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Ken was a wonderful cousin. He always had a smile, warm hug and genuine interest in chatting with you. Always a gentlemen with a great laugh. I fondly remember how kind and sweet he was to his mom and dad as well as how happy he would be to welcome all of us into their home. Sending our thoughts and prayers your way during this difficult time. Eric, Jennie and family (Bob’s family)
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Dear Linda and Family, Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Ken. Ken was a caring, friendly, outgoing gentleman. May you cherish the great memories of Ken at this sad time to give you comfort and joy. Again, our condolences, to all affected by Ken’s passing and Hugs to the Family.
Love Beaver and Robin
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Linda, Ethan and family,
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. You can see by the comments that Ken touched so many lives in a positive way in our community. Such a kind and talented gentleman. He will be missed by all.
Monday, January 12, 2026
Linda and family
I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing.
He was a wonderful person and a great teacher, his students liked him very much ( including my daughter) .
May your many wonderful memories help you through this difficult time .
Thinking of you
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
We will always remember Ken for his kindness and beautiful pictures he made. He truly was a great artist. Our son Kevin will never forget his trip with his class when Mr. Dumais took them to Cypress Lake on weekend outing. We are very sorry for Ken’s passing and give condolences to his many family members and friends.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Mr. Dumais was a wonderful, wonderful man. His sincere kindness was so memorable; I still think of him and what he had said to me often, over 20 years later. Without a doubt he touched countless lives as a teacher and my heart goes out to his family and friends. My sincerest condolences to you all, and I hope some comfort will be found in the knowledge that he was loved and will be remembered by so many.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Linda and Family,
It was an absolute honour to get to know and care for Ken the last few months. He was always so gracious and kind and never failed to greet me with a smile! I am sorry to hear of his passing. Sending my thoughts and prayers(and big hugs).
Saturday, January 17, 2026
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Dumais my condolences to his family and everybody that got to know him. he was a great teacher to have back in grade 7 i will always remember his character his spirit his voice something you don’t forget like science class and thermometer reading with fire to raise the temperature to see how high it goes let just say i broke the thermometer. he could energize the class with his presence no other teacher could do it the way he could he was one to remember and not forget rest in peace Mr. Dumais may he be with the great ones. Adam
Saturday, January 17, 2026
To Linda and family,
Mr. Dumais was (and remains) an integral influence on my life.
As his student, he astonished me with his ability to engage every learner in the room.
Now, as a teacher, I try to honour Mr. Dumais’ legacy. If I impart a fraction of the influence that he did, I know that I am on the right path.
My sincerest condolences,
– Chris, a Grade 7 student of Mr. Dumais from 2000-2001
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Havent see him in ages but he was such a memorable person so much laughter and kindness the town lost an amazing person ❤️