Obituary of Kenneth Squire

Kenneth Squire On Tuesday, November 25th, 2014, Kenneth Squire passed away in his 89th year. Hilda, his wife of 66 years was by his side as were all his children. Ken was the father of four children, Lyn Clarke and husband Dave, Christopher Squire and partner Anna Hateley, Philip Squire and wife Jolanda and David Squire and partner Kathy McArthur. He was Granddad to Jennifer, Heather, Emma, Johanna, Jacob, Kendra, Adelaide and Lilith and Great granddad to Karylton, Davis, Cooper, Dalila and Stella (who is expected to arrive this week). Ken is fondly remembered by his only surviving brother Dennis and many nieces and nephews in England. Ken was born on May 10, 1926 in Willenhall, England, the youngest of thirteen children. Ken left school to join the army at sixteen as an underage recruit and after basic training was sent to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He served as a Lieutenant, Royal Armoured Corps, 10th Hussars, British Army of the Rhine. Ken was fluent in German and French and also served as an interpreter during the Nuremberg Trials. After the war, Ken attended Birmingham University. During this time Ken married Hilda and they quickly had the first two of four children. With prospects few in post war Britain, Ken brought his young family to Canada in 1953 and settled first in St Thomas and finally London where he resided for the rest of his life. Ken was always grateful for the many opportunities that Canada afforded him and his family and was very proud of the fact that all of his children graduated from the University of Western Ontario with degrees in education, social work and law. Every Christmas Ken would remind his family that it was the Salvation Army that provided our first Christmas dinner in Canada. Ken was a master salesman who worked for many years at National Auto League and helped develop a national profile for the company particularly in Quebec. Ken was also a born entertainer. He was a song and dance man in the British music hall tradition and after he retired he was very active entertaining seniors and guiding bus tours throughout North America. Ken was also a natural athlete. When he was young he was a nationally ranked amateur middle distance runner, an accomplished horseman and cricketer. Later in life his passion was golf, which he enjoyed for many years. Ken lived a full and rich life. He enjoyed the company of many good friends, as well as food, music and a well-made drink. Most of all he loved his family. Everyone whose life he touched will miss him. Ken's family would like to express our deep gratitude to the men and women at L.H.S.C. Victoria Hospital who cared for Ken during his short stay with them. Words cannot convey our appreciation of the tender loving care that Ken received. In particular, we would like to thank Ken's primary nurse in the intensive care unit, Glen who provided a calm and dignified setting during the final days of Ken's life. We'll let Ken have the final word: "My aim in life is to make you feel good that you've met me. That's what life is all about" A funeral service will be held at the John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 12 o'clock with visitation to be held one hour prior. At the family's request no flowers please; a donation to the Salvation Army or Mission Services in honour of Ken would be greatly appreciated.