Kenneth Grafton MacLean

Kenneth Grafton MacLean will be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle and friend. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Kenneth was supportive, caring, and thoughtful. He provided mentorship and guidance to those who he loved, allowing them to shine brightly. Kenneth was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Kenneth knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Kenneth was born on January 10, 1938 in Murray's Village at home in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. His parents were Edward and Estelle MacLean. Kenneth was raised in Saint Vincent, West Indies. Even as a youngster, Kenneth learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Kenneth was able to put his natural abilities to work, his long-term goal was to move to Canada, which he achieved, at the age of 19. He was like a beacon of light and hope, as he helped his family members immigrate from Saint Vincent to Canada, making sure they were safe and settled. Kenneth was raised with 10 siblings, Elford, Oril, Jim, Stein, Vaunley, Brenda, Leurice, Joy, Endall and Camilla. Kenneth was very much a support for his family members, providing guidance in a respectful encouraging manner that allowed for overt communication and progress. This gentle guidance allowed for growth and development as the family settled into their New life in Canada.

Kenneth's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Kenneth enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Kenneth took part in cricket and soccer. In his spare time he liked movies, cards, building kites and go carts. Kenneth's memorable achievements included woodworking.

Kenneth was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Kenneth was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Kenneth came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Julian Gill, Denis and Sonny Joyette, Ralph Clark, Bassy Alexander and Ferdie King. Later in life, he became friends with Sue and Rick O'Donell, Hugh Neil, Helen and Dario Castallan, Rich and Carol March.

An objective and conscientious individual, Kenneth reveled in the security of his family. On July 2, 1959 Kenneth exchanged wedding vows with Carolynn Myers, at home, in Oshawa, Ontario. One of Kenneth’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. Kenneth would always say that he was most happy when spending time with his family and friends.

Kenneth was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Kenneth would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Kenneth was blessed with 2 children, one son Ricky and one daughter Holly. He loved and cherished his children and he was an amazing father, who providing ongoing, unconditional love and support.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Kenneth was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Kenneth was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Kenneth upheld his standards. His primary occupation was printer. He was employed at General Printers for 10 years and General Motors for 25 years, until his retirement. Kenneth was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Kenneth approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were curling, cricket, coaching hockey, but his true love was music, playing guitar, ukulele, banjo and harmonica. Kenneth was content to always share his interests with others. He believed that life’s purpose was to share your gifts of knowledge and skills. He took great pleasure in teaching others and he was also a willing participant and learn from others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Kenneth to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Kenneth played cricket and soccer and often could be seen in the village playing “marbles”, a favourite childhood game in the Caribbean. Recreational sports included cricket, racquet ball, jogging, walking, hiking, fishing and camping. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list were hockey, soccer and fishing.

Being generous with his time and energy, Kenneth liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Kenneth was an active member of the curling and racquet ball club.

A civic-minded person, Kenneth was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Kenneth was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the General Motors Men's Hockey League (Coach) and Oshawa Hockey League, Triple A Coach. During these years, Kenneth applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

When it came time to travel, or taking vacations, Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his loving wife Carolynn and his children Rick and Holly. The family enjoyed camping at Sandbanks Provincial Park, where they could be found every summer. Favourite vacations included Saint Vincent, Barbados, Florida, Mexico and Nova Scotia.

Kenneth was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Kenneth’s favourites was Chase a Shih Tzu - his best friend. Chase is 6 years old and will miss him very much. His family was rounded out by his Cat - Sam, Dogs - Timo, Hershey, Fricky, Lupe, Chase and a monkey named Coco.

When Kenneth’s retirement finally arrived in 1999, he was well prepared. He utilized Carolynn’s critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved enjoying the cottage in Bancroft. In retirement, he found new pleasure in travelling, camping, cottage, music and woodworking. In many ways, Kenneth loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Kenneth passed away on January 28, 2023 at home with his family by his side. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Carolynn, his children Holly and Rick, his sisters Endall, Joy, Leurice and Camilla and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Courtice Funeral Chapel. Kenneth was laid to rest in Union Cemetery, Oshawa, Ontario.

All who knew him would agree that Kenneth was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Kenneth Grafton MacLean did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Kenneth passed away on January 28, 2023, at home, with his family by his side. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Carolynn, his children Rick (Cheryl), Holly (Karen), and his sisters Endall, Joy, Leurice, Camilla and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Edward and Estelle and sister and brothers Brenda, Elford, Jim, Stein, Oril, and Vaunley.

Kenneth was the life of the party and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His smile and laughter were engaging and joyful and will be greatly missed at our social gatherings with family and friends. Kenneth was kind, caring, supportive, and courageous. He was a beacon of light, providing mentorship and stability to those who he loved. His love for life, music and story telling will live on through all of us, who were blessed to know and love him. He will remain in our hearts forever and never forgotten.

A visitation for Kenneth will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Courtice Funeral Chapel, 1587 Highway #2, Courtice, ON L1E 2R7, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM.

The service can be viewed via Livestream using the following link:

https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/69118

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.courticefuneralchapel.com for the MacLean family.