Kenneth J. Trudel

Peacefully, in hospital on Monday, October 3, 2022 at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband of Lillian Farrow (Sears) Trudel. Loving father of Celine (Greg) Melanson and Damien (Kelly Pyke). Adored Papa of Skylar, Nolan, Abby and Ernest. Dear brother of Joan Cumming and Monique Cardinal and brother-in-law to Lillian’s brothers and sisters on the East Coast and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Weldon (Manny) and Catherine (Gauthier) Trudel.

Ken grew up in downtown Ottawa, where he spent his early years working alongside his parents at the family store, “Trudel Home Hardware” on Rideau Street. Ken attended De La Salle Academy and the University of Ottawa where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce.

As a young man, Ken moved to the Maritimes for his job with Coca-Cola, where he met his beloved wife, Lillian, to whom he was married for 51 years. After returning to Ottawa with their young family, Ken joined Agriculture Canada, where he worked until his retirement.

The Maritimes held a special spot in Ken’s heart; specifically Moncton, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he made lifelong friendships. Although they had moved to Ottawa, Ken and Lil returned every summer to visit friends and relatives on the east coast.

Ken enjoyed arguing in both official languages, and was happy to haggle with others for donations to church causes. Ken also spent many years playing near-heart-attack-inducing tennis at the Ottawa Athletic Club, and he was a longtime supporter of the Ottawa Little Theatre.

Ken truly appreciated spending time with the people he loved. He looked forward to occasions like the annual Lobster/Street party, tennis gatherings, theatre nights, dinner parties, and church events, where he could catch up with new and longtime friends. But Ken was mostly a family man who enjoyed holiday gatherings, and Sunday night family dinners. Ken especially cherished the decades of memories he and Lil made with family and friends at their second home, in Mont Ste-Marie.

Ken was a member of St. Bernard’s Church, where he dedicated many hours of his time.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people in the Oncology Unit at the Ottawa General Hospital for the excellent and compassionate care shown to Ken and his family in his final days. There will be no visitation. A celebration of Ken`s life will be offered at St. Bernard`s Church, 1701 St. Bernard Street on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11AM. Donations in Ken’s memory can be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Cancer Unit, or to The University of Ottawa, Heart Institute, or charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home.