Rusk, Kenneth Wilford 'Ken'
It is with sadness that we announce that Kenneth W. Rusk of Etobicoke passed away in his home on Monday, November 2nd, 2020 at the age of 89. Ken fought a courageous battle with cancer that began in 1975 and still lived a full life.
He was born in Amabel Township, ON on September 22nd, 1931 and attended high school in Owen Sound. Ken met and married Lois Waterton and lived most of his adult life in Burlington with his family. He was very active in his church community at Wellington Square where for many years he was the associate organist and a choir member.
Ken enjoyed 35 years as a manager for Ontario Hydro as well as a 2 year work placement in Iran from 1971-1973. After his retirement Ken and Lois moved to their home in Clarksburg, ON. They were married for 47 years until her passing in 2002. He loved to travel and had explored many countries over his lifetime. Ken was an active member of the Rotary Club, choir member at Grace United Church in Thornbury, Fall Fair judge and an avid gardener who loved his tomato plants.
In 2009 Ken moved to Etobicoke, ON. He volunteered with the ‘Triangle Teen Lunch Program’ as part of the Metropolitan Community Church where for five years he volunteered two days a week making lunch for their program. The kids all loved his meals!
Ken is predeceased by his parents, Norman and Winnifred (nee Tomlinson) Rusk of Owen Sound, and his wife Lois (nee Waterton) Rusk.
He is survived by his four children, Martin (Diane) of Phelpston, ON, Steven (Carrie) of Wetaskawin, AB, Kevin (Linda) of Miami, FL, and Heather of Clarksburg, ON. Ken was also blessed with eleven grandchildren: Landon, Colin, Erin, Michael, Emily, Jillian, Malorie, Sam, Tashi, Viviana, Andrea, and thirteen great grandchildren!
He was the dear brother of Noreen Davis (late Ivan) of Owen Sound, ON, Gwen Pulford (late Bill) of Weston, ON, Joan Jardine (Tom) of Etobicoke, ON and Karen Pinder (Bruce) of Lake Chapala, Mexico.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place virtually on Zoom in the next few weeks. If you are interested in attending this online gathering to remember Ken, please email Heather at hlrusk@icloud.com. If you don’t know how to use Zoom, she will walk you through it.
If so desired donations to the ‘Triangle Program’ would be appreciated and may be made directly at MCCToronto.com/donate and please select ‘Honourific Gift’ in Ken’s name. If you choose to donate to a charity of your choice please contact 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 Wilford 'Ken' Rusk
Donations: ‘Triangle Program’ would be appreciated and may be made directly at MCCToronto.com/donate and please select ‘Honourific Gift’ in Ken’s nameDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Friday, November 6, 2020
Rest In Peace Ken. I shall miss our phone calls and our late night visits.(my partner in crime). You are in my thoughts and always will be.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thanks Mary…..Heather
Saturday, November 7, 2020
I have always appreciated Ken, as President of the Thornbury/Clarksburg Rotary club, inducting me as a new member of Rotary in 1997.
My condolences to his family and friends on the passing of a very good man.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thanks Jim…..Heather
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Dear Heather, Martin, Steven & Kevin:
I am a member of the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club and have fond memories of those times that he was such an active member also. I remember the happiness he expressed when you, Heather, moved back to take over their home in Clarksburg. Ken was always a very supportive member of all projects that our club took on. For some time after he moved away from Clarksburg he would visit our club’s meeting just up the street in the hall at St. George’s . He was always warmly welcomed back. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time, but I’m sure that happy memories will support you all.
Rotarian,
Rick (& Roberta) Offord
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thanks Rick and Roberta……Heather
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Ken was a sweet, dear man who touched many lives with his generosity of spirit and joy. I am so glad to have known him and I offer my sincere condolences to his family.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thank you Philip…..Heather
Sunday, November 8, 2020
Ken’s daughter called me when he was in hospital but I didn’t realize he was terminal.We volunteered at MCCT, he in the kitchen I at reception. we had many a chat , loved his car and won a few times at euchre. condolences to his family, he was loved and respected and never would have guessed he was 89. a good gentleman RIP
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Than you Jennifer….Heather
Monday, November 9, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Enjoyed seeing Ken when he lived in Clarksburg. I last saw Ken at the cousins dinner which was held in Owen Sound in the fall last year. Remember the goods times. Gary & Sharon Long
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thank you Gary and Sharon……Heather
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Ken was always a loving kind brother. Since moving to Etobicoke he became a friend and neighbour as well. We miss him dearly. Love sister Joan
Thursday, November 12, 2020
You will always be remembered and missed. I love you grandpa.
Saturday, November 21, 2020
I’m sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends.