Kenneth John Harley

Ken passed away peacefully in his 90th year, but just shy of his 90th birthday, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia & painful Vasculitic Neurophathy on Sunday August 23, 2026, at Grey Gables Long Term Care Home in Markdale, Ontario.

He is reunited with his loving (late) wife Marion (nee Allsopp) at last. He will forever be missed by his devoted daughter & caregiver Karen & son-in-law Scott Engel. Remembered by son Andrew. Grandfather to Chason, Crystal, Christopher, Julia & Nicholas. Great Grandfather to Ewa, Keegan & others unknown. Dear brother to Harry (Yolande), Mike (& late Ann), (late) Fred (& late Jackie) and sister (late) Jean (& late Gordon Mason). Brother-in-law to; Brian Perkins (late Eunice-nee; Allsopp), Vincent Allsopp (Lynda), Victor Allsopp (Iris), Glenys Harley, (late) Vivian Allsopp (late Flo), (late) Barbara (nee; Allsopp) & (late Jim Bishop), (late) Frank Allsopp (Maureen), (late) Eileen (nee; Allsopp) & (late Tom Bishop), (late) Christine (nee; Allsopp) & (late Reg Redfern), (late) Pam (nee; Allsopp) & (late Barry Everett). Beloved Uncle to; Tracie (nee; Harley) & (Ernie Field), David (Tracey), Matthew Mason (Hayley), Stuart (Alison), Diane (nee; Harley) & Andii Kerlew, and Ian & (late) Kevin Mason. Predeceased by his parents Fred & Anne (Nancy) Harley & his parents in-law William & Clarisa Allsopp. He will also be missed by many second & third cousins on both the Harley & Allsopp sides.

Ken was born in Willenhall, England on September 14, 1936. He was the second eldest of 5 children, with an older sister and 3 younger brothers. Ken was a devoted family man always doing his best to be there for his parents and siblings having regular pub nights with his dad and brothers. He was a bouncer in his youth at the local dance hall (the Bathes). He later served in the British Army, “The 1721st Lancers” from 1954 to 1961 as a Centurian Tank Signal Man, alongside his brother Fred who was a Tank Driver, where they were stationed in Germany & England. He was also a high diver in the army, earning multiple swimming & high diving medals. He married Marion in 1960, having 2 children, Andrew and Karen. He worked as a book binder for Deanson’s in England while raising his family where he later moved his family to Canada in 1975 and continued in the book binding trade at Imperial Press in Mississauga, until he retired at 56 when Marion became ill, he lost her a year later to cancer (at 52). He was lost without Marion for many, many years, she was the love of his life. Ken & Marion were very active in the British Legion and later the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 609 Bramalea/Brampton, serving many different positions. Karen & Scott joined him in Legion duties after Marion’s passing to keep him busy. Ken enjoyed their cottage in Pike Bay (North of Owen Sound). He was a proud man, a strong man, a dedicated man. He said it how it was, but he thought about his words carefully first! You knew not to “Poke the Bear!” Ken became an avid reader, especially James Patterson books and he loved the Borne series of movies. He also loved his old Country Western Music and probably owned every Hank Williams record ever made, which he listened to right to the end. He became a big fan of Willie Nelson too, enjoying 7th row center for Father’s Day one year with Karen, what great seats they were! Ken eventually sold the family home of 40+ years, on Archdekin Drive in Brampton, along with the cottage, realizing it was too much for him alone and moved into a condo for a while. Recognizing he was starting to get Alzheimer’s he sought help, but slowly it progressed, eventually effecting his health and leading him into a retirement home and then long-term care. Ken’s last days were difficult, he suffered not only from Dementia, but also from Vasculitic Neuropathy, which was incredibly painful. Grey Gables LTC & BSTU team were absolutely exceptional with Ken, taking care of him until the end alongside Karen. He had a cheeky smile and a flirty disposition and always told one liner jokes. He had his favorite RN’s & PSW’s, who went above and beyond caring for him doing their best to keep him comfortable at the end. The nurses and PSW’s will never be forgotten for the way they cared for Ken, we are forever grateful for their devotion and care!

Ken will be missed by all that loved him. He is no longer in pain or turmoil and has been called home by our loving God to be reunited with his devoted wife Marion, brother Fred, sister Jean, mom Anne (Nancy) & and dad Fred (the Chief) his loving Gran Martha (Hughes) & all those that journeyed to Heaven before him. May he Rest in Eternal Peace on his next journey. Until we meet again.

Although flowers are appreciated, alternatively donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Grey Gables Long Term Care Home in Markdale, ON. For those wanting to donate directly to Grey Gables, please mail your donations to: Grey Gables 206 Toronto Street S. Markdale, ON N0C 1H0. Please indicate who the donation is in memory of and please include your name and address if you wish to have a tax receipt mailed back to you. Thank you.