KENNETH EDWARD PAGE

PAGE, KENNETH EDWARD May 8, 1931 – January 12, 2019 After a life well lived, Ken passed away peacefully in one of his favourite places – Unionville, Ontario.

Ken, beloved husband of Jeanne (Moir), the love of his life for over 64 years. Adoring father to Leanne, loving and proud father-in-law of George Lewis, and adoring grandfather to Elliott and Julia (Christopher). Beloved son of the late Alice and Neville Page. Loving oldest brother of the four Page boys: Gord (Kathy), Gary (Rotraud), and Ross (Colleen). Proud Uncle Kenny to his nieces and nephews. A friend to many, Ken’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched throughout his active life.

Born during the Great Depression, Ken always exceeded expectations. As a young child he was struck down by polio, but went on to thrive. He left high school early to join his father’s plastering business, N. Page and Sons. As times changed and drywall increasingly replaced plaster, Ken entered the teaching profession in the late 60s. He juggled teaching full time while taking university courses, earning his B.A. at York University in just four years. Ken taught trowel trades, first at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, then at Sir Wilfred Laurier Collegiate Institute. Inspired by his students Ken was ahead of his time, introducing integrated learning techniques into his classroom. As a trades teacher many of his students were practical rather than academic students. To keep his students engaged in school and to broaden their learning Ken designed complex construction projects that his students built in his large, two-story classroom shop. His final and largest project had a “walk through history” theme.

Within his shop, students reconstructed a WW1 trench, built a Tudor-style English pub, created a night-time forest with a waterfall traversed by a railroad trestle (for which Pierre Burton drove the last spike), built a ¾ scale model of the first log school house in Scarborough (which local grade 3 classes took turns studying in over six weeks), and recreated a section of Pompeii. The project took two years to complete. Many of his at-risk students stayed in school to see the project through to completion and they learned a variety of construction techniques while also learning something about history, art, math, and other subjects. His students enjoyed the project work so much they would regularly phone “Mr. Page” on Saturday mornings and over holidays asking if he would open the shop so they could come in and work on the project. Of course, he always did with enthusiasm. His projects and innovative teaching methods led to Ken’s growing reputation at the Scarborough Board of Education.

Eventually Ken was asked to develop one of the first high school cooperative education programs in Canada. He undertook the challenge with his usual creative gusto, first in a volunteer capacity over a summer, then in a full time role. Ken acquired the nickname “Captain Co-op” as the Scarborough co-op program grew exponentially and he received invitations from across the country and around the world to advise other boards as they developed now ubiquitous co-op programs.

In addition to teaching, Ken was an active community volunteer. He served as President of the Unionville Skating Club where he also built carnival props for the annual ice show, enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow volunteers and developing deep friendships. Ken also helped lead the fund-raising committee that raised the money needed to replace the old Crosby Memorial Community Centre Arena. Ken was also active over the years in many other charities, including the Unionville Progress Club, the Unionville Home Society Board, and more recently, Pickering Rotary. All in all, a life well lived. Jeanne, Leanne, and George extend heartfelt thanks to friends, family, and neighbours for your visits, support, and prayers as Ken’s health declined. Your thoughtfulness has meant more than you know.

We also thank Osmond for his compassionate, professional, and dedicated caregiving.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McEachnie Funeral Home, Ajax, Ontario. Visitation – Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax, ON. Funeral Service – Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 77 Randall Dr., Ajax, Ontario. Preceding the funeral there will be visitation at the church from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Private burial.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish, you might consider a donation in Ken’s memory to: Rotary International‘s Polio Eradication Initiative via the Rotary Club of Pickering electronically on their web page (www.pickeringrotary.ca and look for the Ken Page Memorial Donation under the “Payments” tab), or by cheque (PO Box 7, Pickering, Ontario L1V 2R2). HOPE – Helping Other Parents Everywhere via e-transfer to etransfer@hope4parents.ca, by cheque (1740 Kingston Rd. P.O. Box 64, Pickering, Ontario L1V 2R2), or via the HOPE website (www.hope4parents.ca) to access the “Donate” tab. Please specify that your donation is in memory of Ken.

Online condolences may be placed at www.mceachniefuneral.ca