Kenneth James Gibbons

Kenneth James Gibbons, just past his 87 birthday, passed away in Toronto on February 3rd, 2022. His life was long and happy, with a focus on family and creative pursuits. Born in Stratford, Ontario in 1935, to Sidney and Edna Gibbons, he was the younger brother to Harold and Roy, who predeceased him. His schooling took him to Ryerson University in Toronto. While taking a weekend break from his studies in Building Technology, he met his wife, Dawn McFadzen. Their loving marriage would last almost 65 years with 4 children: Steve (Gayle), Barb (Dave), Carol (Ken) and Ron (Cyndy). He was also “Grandpa” to 10 grandchildren, 7 grandchildren-in-law, 5 great-grandchildren, and several blended family connections. He loved spending time with family, usually travelling with a toolbox and sharp pencil in hand to help on a project. He was also a much-loved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

He had a long and successful career in architectural consulting and construction management, a love for which he developed while assisting his father build their family home at the age of fifteen. He went on to make his mark on the skylines of Montreal, Toronto, Denver and Calgary on projects that included the Royal York Hotel, the fourth Toronto Dominion Centre tower, the CIBC Centre, and BP House - to name a few. After more than 6 decades in the industry Ken was still active in site visits and project management, enjoying a great collaboration with Greg Bewick and Associates. His colleagues referred to him as a true gentleman and a mentor, who brought not only a wealth of knowledge, sound guidance, but also a calm demeanor to the project. He was never one to rest on the success of the latest endeavour, always looking to what he was going to build next.

For most of Ken's life, he seemed happiest when making sawdust. His personal projects included designing and building two unique cottages for his family: the first in upstate New York on Lake Chateaugay, and then on Bird Lake in Muskoka - a place he dearly loved and which continues to be the family gathering place for over 45 years. He leaves behind a legacy of design and creativity that will be treasured by his family in the years to come. Ken enjoyed several years in the church choir, the Berg Chorale, and holding down the bass in the Good Tidings Quartet. He was always a jovial participant and was known for his great sense of humour and good- natured spirit. He enjoyed outdoor pursuits that included many winter days cross-country skiing, and summer days hiking in the Rocky Mountains or sailing and canoeing on the lakes he loved. He also enjoyed the peace of a summer day on the dock, with a cup of coffee and a good book.

He touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His handmade articles will be treasured with fond memories of the cheerful and energetic man who brought them into reality. He will be sorely missed by the many who loved him and were blessed by having him in their lives.

Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

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Kenneth James Gibbons passed away in Toronto on February 3rd,2022. Born in Stratford in 1935, to Sidney and Edna Gibbons, younger brother to Harold and Roy who predeceased him. He had a long productive and happy life focused on family and creative endeavors.

He married Dawn McFadzen in Montreal in 1957. Their loving marriage would last almost 65 years with 4 children: Steve (Gayle), Barb (Dave), Carol (Ken) and Ron (Cyndy), 10 grandchildren an additional 7 grandchildren-in-law, 5 Great Grandchildren and several blended family connections. He was also a much loved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

He had a long and successful career in architectural consulting and construction management. In his spare time he was a carver, woodworker and home builder. Ken enjoyed several years in the church choir, a quartet and a travelling Chorale. He was also known for his great sense of humour and good natured spirit. He was well loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

The funeral will be on Wednesday February 9, 2022 at 2pm at the Giffen – Mack Funeral Home, 4115 Lawrence Ave. East, West Hill, ON. Sadly occupancy restrictions will only allow 25 people to attend in person, but a live stream of the service will be available.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church Window project to restore their sanctuary to function and preserve the building which is in keeping with Ken’s lifelong interests. As an alternative donations to Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital in Ken's name are also appreciated

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