Ken passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, June 22, 2024, his 85th birthday.
Many remember Ken for his playfulness and love of food and cooking. These qualities were the result of a childhood in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He left Trinidad for university in Ireland at age 18, never to return. But he took with him the music, stories of carnival, and memories of countless shenanigans with his four siblings.
Ken studied medicine in Dublin. In later years, he recalled the hours of tedious study punctuated by pints of Guinness. While away at university, his family immigrated to New York State, so after graduating, he looked for a hospital residency nearby in Canada. An ad with a photo of a person fishing caught his eye; it was for a position at the St. Catharines General Hospital. He arrived in Canada March 1966.
Hundreds of families in Niagara will know Ken through his 47 years of medical practice, and the office he ran alongside his sister, Zan Gula, and wife, Diane. He was proud and passionate about his work.
After retirement, he put his heart and soul into his family and farm. He enjoyed teasing his grandsons, tending to his acreage, and hunting with his friend Steve Jablonski.
Many will miss Ken, including friends Steve and Josie, his sister Zan, brothers, Noel (Andrea) and Stirling (Esther), in-laws, Linda and Ken Smith, Wendy (deceased) and Roger Jarry, nieces and nephews. Most of all, his wife of nearly 50 years, Diane Teodorini (nee Pocknell), his son, Robert, daughter, Elizabeth, son-in-law David Snaith, and his grandchildren Atticus and Brock.
A very special thank you to Dr. Michael Milo. Also, Dr. Sven Pallie, Dr. Saeed Shaikh, Dr. Ryuta Nagai, Dr. Peter Hyatt, and neighbours Doug and Luciana Gearing.
At Ken’s request, there will not be a service; instead, please raise a glass of cheer to him. His big presence, practical jokes and generosity have created lasting memories that will live on with us all.
Condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
