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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
IVES, Kenneth Rexford - Born March 18, 1936 in Leamington, Ontario. Died peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice, London, Ontario, on January 16, 2020, aged 83 years.
Beloved husband of (Mary Ann) Joan Ives (née Menard). Survived and loved by Russell (and Darlene) Ives, Barbara Ives (and Jan Baxter), Dale Ives (and Stephen Pitel), and Christopher (and Tracey) Ives. Caring Grandpa of Haley, Aislyn and Bronwen. Loving brother of Ruthie, Joyce, Judy, Sandy and Donna Ives. Loving brother-in-law and uncle to Joan's many siblings and their children. Predeceased by parents Rex and Edna Ives, and brothers Eddie and Lyle Ives.
Ken left school after Grade 9 to help provide for his family. Once he met the love of his life, Joan, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy). Ken eventually retired after 24 and 1/2 years as a Warrant Officer in the Communications Branch. He received the Canadian Forces' Decoration and clasp for long service, and the Special Service Medal (Alert) recognizing his many remote posting during his years of service at Canadian Forces Station Alert, NWT. After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Ken first worked security for the British High Commission in Ottawa. He and Joan then moved to British Columbia where Ken ran his own business, and then worked for a car dealership driving cars. He and Joan also took up square dancing, attending festivals throughout the interior of British Columbia and the United States. Ken finally retired full-time so he and Joan could spend more time travelling.
Throughout his life, Ken also worked part-time, often with Joan, doing home renovations. In the process, he taught all his kids (and paid them while they learned) painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills. During his lifetime, whenever asked by his kids, Ken was available to help repair or renovate their homes, at no cost other than a cold beer or glass of rum and coke when the job was done.
Ken and Joan eventually moved back to Ontario to be closer to family. After stops in Hay Bay, Napanee and Harrow, they finally moved to London, to the Riverbend Golf Community. During Ken's time there, he loved to play golf and billiards, playing five days a week during the season. When his health started to fail, Ken still wanted to play as much as possible, and, failing that, he wanted to sit and watch his favourite TV shows, especially Blue Bloods, with family by his side, so he/we could figure out the ending before the show finished.
Ultimately, Ken's health declined so much he could not be cared for at home, and a request was made for palliative care. Luckily for Ken and the family, St. Joseph's Hospice had an opening the very next day. During the week Ken was at St. Joseph's Hospice, all of the staff made Ken, and the family staying with him, as comfortable as possible. When death finally occurred, it was peacefully with members of his family by his side.
Private cremation at Woodland Cemetery, London, occurred on January 20, 2020. A Celebration of Life, attended by family and friends, occurred at the family home on January 22, 2020. A sincere thank you all to those who attended Ken's Celebration of Life, some travelling near and others far, and provided emotional support.
Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St Joseph's Hospice, London, Ontario, in memoriam of Kenneth R. Ives, or to the Centre for Cognitive Vitality and Brain Health at Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, in memoriam of Kenneth R. Ives and in recognition of the care provided during Ken's life by Dr. Michael J. Borrie.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael J. Borrie, Rui, Toby, Claudia, Joey, and the staff and volunteers of St Joseph's Hospice for their kindness, care and compassion shown to Ken.
"May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And the rains fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand." (The London Free Press 25 Jan 2020)
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