Ken Gaudin

Wilfred Kenneth Paul Gaudin, known to most as Ken Gaudin, died on September 13, 2025, in a Rochester, Michigan hospital, surrounded by his four daughters, after a fall while biking along the Macomb County Bike Trail. He was 92.

Born at home on April 2, 1933, in Northport, Prince Edward Island, Ken grew up exploring the waters of Cascumpec Bay, riding in dories, and crossing Alberton Harbor to the sandhills at the Cascumpec Lighthouse where his father served as lighthouse keeper. Those early years—marked by salt air, the creak of wharf boards, and the steady beam of a lighthouse—fostered in him a lifelong love of the sea, boats, and the quiet satisfaction of fixing and building things by hand.

As a teenager, Ken joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, first stationed at the No. 1 Air Navigation School, a NATO training facility for aircrews from Canada and allied nations. He later served at RCAF Station North Bay, Ontario, a Cold War–era base constructed in response to the Soviet threat. His service took him to air shows in London and Paris, but he returned home to help when his father fell ill, stepping in to man the lighthouse in Northport.

After his military service, Ken joined Avro Canada, working on the legendary CF-105 Arrow, a cutting-edge supersonic interceptor aircraft. When the Canadian government abruptly canceled the Arrow project in the late 1950s, the company collapsed—leaving Ken, like many others, suddenly out of work.

But this period of uncertainty led to the most significant meeting of his life.

As Ken told it, he was driving down Bloor Street in Toronto when he noticed a striking young woman and commented to his friend Jamie—who replied, "That's my sister, Betty Crosby." They met soon after at a rowdy sing-along party hosted by Ken’s sister, where Betty wrote her number on his hand.

On May 25, 1957, they were married in the vestry at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto.

In 1962, with work hard to find after Avro’s collapse, a British friend sponsored Ken as a tool and die journeyman in Michigan. He and Betty moved to Rochester, where they raised four daughters and built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and perseverance.

They survived a serious car accident while vacationing in Prince Edward Island in 1964 and eventually built a home in Shelby Township. As the family grew, they became longtime members of First Baptist Church of Rochester, where Ken remained active for more than 60 years.

Ken worked for several companies over the years, including AMT in Troy and Fundimensions, before becoming the longtime foreman at JB Tool in Mt. Clemens. He was respected for his skill, leadership, and integrity.

At home, Ken was never happier than when there was work to be done—grass to cut, cars or bikes to fix, jam to make, games to play, planes or puzzles to build, gardens to plant, or laundry to fold. He took his daughters on countless trips to lakes across Michigan, Northern Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, sharing his love of water, nature, and movement. He was a talented water skier and strong ice skater, and he took the time to pass those skills on.

The Gaudin home frequently vibrated with the sounds of sing-alongs, noisy lobster suppers, fondue feasts, and lively game nights.

In retirement, Ken took up RC model airplane building and joined the Romeo Sky Hawks, flying over water and cornfields, often with grandchildren cheering him on. He became a devoted gardener and cook, and took great pride in keeping his yard meticulous—especially as one of the longest residents on his street. He loved his friends deeply, was a good neighbor, and valued community, loyalty and kindness.

Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty, his parents, and his siblings Al, Eva, and Noreen.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters: Susan (Mike), Linda (Jeff), Tammy (Dan), and Kimberly; grandchildren: John, Valerie, Benjamin, Rachel, Alec, Camila, and Oliver; great-grandchildren: Emmitt, Audrina, Jack, and Levi; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

________________________________________

His was a life marked by quiet strength, gentle humor, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. He built, he served, he taught — and in the process, he left the world better than he found it.

There will be a time of fellowship for Ken on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Rochester, 6377 Orion Rd, Rochester, Michigan. A Luncheon will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions in Ken's honor may be made to the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation or Leader Dogs for the Blind.