Kenneth Allan was born in Owen Sound on August 15, 1945. He was joined by younger sister Linda after relocating to Fergus with his parents Doreen (Gunn) and Bill Nesbitt. Here Ken enjoyed his youth and completed his education.
Ken loved cars from a young age, and over the years owned his fair share of nice rides. This early attraction led him to a career in automotive repair and the scrap industry. Ken soon began working in auto shops, proving to be quite handy. In time, he focused his attention more on scrap metal, always working hard to provide for himself and his family.
In the mid 60’s Ken married Barbara Yates. They welcomed son Ricky in 1967, but sadly he died in infancy. Their family grew when Kevin joined them in 1969 and Jamie in 1976. Unfortunately, his marriage ended in the late 70’s whereby Ken relocated to the Meaford area.
Ken continued to be self-employed, buying and selling scrap and working in the wrecking yard. In 1984, he married Linda Ransome and the two moved to the Dobbinton area. Together they welcomed sons Bill (1983) and Rob (1986).
When not busy at work, Ken enjoyed camping with the boys in their youth and spending time on Manitoulin Island. He also had a green thumb, loving to work in the flowerbeds and care for his flowers. This love also led to a fascination with lawn ornaments, and I am told Ken had his fair share throughout the years.
Ken and Linda separated in 2004, with Ken moving to Chesley for a few years before settling just outside of Hanover. Here he enjoyed his retirement years, often visiting McDonalds and Tim Hortons for his daily coffee, to catch up on the local gossip and talk with friends. When not able to talk in person, Ken enjoyed talking on the phone, catching up with the boys and everyone he knew. He was also known to regularly jump in the truck and drive around visiting old friends and acquaintances. Ken also had a particular fondness for animals, particularly dogs. He rescued many dogs, big and small over the years, giving him constant companionship.
Sadly, Ken passed away suddenly at Hanover & District Hospital on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 in his 75th year.
Father of Kevin (Laurie) of Seaforth, Jamie (Michele) of Chesley, Bill (Stephanie Anderson) of Dobbinton and Rob (Kayti) of Walkerton. He will be remembered by eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister Linda (John) Young of Mississauga and dear friend Eileen McCurdy. Ken was predeceased by his infant son Ricky and parents Thomas Wilfred “Bill” and Doreen (Gunn) Nesbitt.
An informal, come and go celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 7 – 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
