Kenneth Arnold McFarquhar, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024 at the age of 91. Predeceased by his parents Ernie and Violet, his sister Pat, and his wife of 60 years Lois. Survived by his sons Colin and Greg (Sharon); granddaughter Ashley (Marc-Antoine); grandson Ryan, and niece Ondine (Pat.)
Ken was born April 11, 1933 in Toronto. He spent most of his childhood in the east end of the city. He also lived briefly on a farm near Bowmanville and completed his high school education in Newmarket while living in Queensville. He spent his summers at the family cottage at Bala.
After high school Ken attended the University of Toronto studying mathematics and physics. He left university after the passing of his father and obtained a job at Manulife in 1957. While at Manulife he studied to be an actuary. He completed his actuarial exams in 1971 and remained at Manulife until his retirement in 1994.
At Manulife Ken met his wife Lois. They were married October 6, 1962 in Belleville, Ontario. In 1965 they settled in the Guildwood village area of Scarborough. They remained in their house until 2019.
Ken had many interests. He was an avid gardener and had about 200 roses. He served as a judge in rose shows and his own roses won many prizes. He was active in Washington United Church, serving as chair of church council. He also performed in the chorus for shows by the Kew Beach Couples Club and sang with the Serenata Singers. Ken also enjoyed playing the piano and continued to take lessons as an adult. He was also involved for many years with the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.
Ken kept busy in retirement. He took university courses and did volunteer work tutoring students in mathematics and won a prize for his work in tutoring. He and Lois liked to travel. They took trips to many places including Australia, New Zealand, China, Egypt, much of western and eastern Europe, and many places in North America. They especially enjoyed theatre and travelled frequently to Stratford and New York City to see plays. They also enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Ken also enjoyed listening to classical music and watching old movies. He enjoyed going to Blue Jays games, book stores and was an avid reader. His reading interests were wide ranging and included history, politics, science, philosophy, novels, and plays.
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