MISKIMMIN, KENNETH Born November 3, 1931, Kenneth was Annie and David Miskimmin’s first “Canadian baby”. His siblings, Mary (George Humphrey) and David (Gisela) were born in Belfast and Silvia (Howard Duncan) and Barbara (Lou Regimbal) were yet to come. A patient and devoted family man, Kenneth took remarkable care of life-long love Elizabeth (1933-2014), children Robert (Diana Carnegie), Peter (Angela Cassiram) and Susanne (Allan Cole) and grandchildren, Madeleine and Liam, Esme and Niamh.
Kenneth grew up in the east end of Toronto and was industrious from an early age: gathering horse manure for his father’s garden at five; delivering groceries by bike at ten; and blocks of ice by truck as a teen. Classmates became students when Kenneth taught at Danforth Tech just months after his own graduation. He would go on to become Director of Technical Education at Woburn Collegiate Institute after completing two degrees at the University of Toronto. Born in a do-it-yourself era, Ken could fix almost anything; a meticulous draftsman he was well-versed in home renovation and cottage construction. He was particularly adept at woodworking: cabinet making, carving, wood-burning – whatever he turned his hand to, really. A natural teacher, he would share his considerable knowledge with those around him, much of which will be passed along to the next generation. Ken was a fine athlete who played baseball and basketball as a young man and hockey well into his senior years – centering a line with his sons on the wings. As a hockey coach, he enjoyed memorable trips to Europe with the high school team. In fact, Ken and Betty travelled extensively around the world and would while away long summers on epic camping trips, before they eventually settled into their beloved cottage on Chandos Lake. A fixture in his Scarborough neighbourhood since 1960, Ken would lend a hand or shoot the breeze and share a ready joke with old friends and new acquaintances alike. His appeal crossed generations and it was not uncommon to find a young child at the door asking if Ken can come out and play. Kenneth Miskimmin was a modest, humble and gentle man of great integrity who gave much and took nothing for granted. He was a considerate and dedicated friend to many. It is difficult to come to terms with a world without Ken. We are cast adrift by his loss, even as we are anchored by his wonderful legacy.