Kenneth Gregory Munro

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Kenneth Gregory Munro. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Kenneth was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Kenneth was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

      From the time he was born on September 21, 1950, Kenneth showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Kenneth came into this world at Bowmanville Memorial Hospital in Bowmanville, Ontario to Allan and Josephine. Allan raised Ken alone for many years, until Doris and Halina had come into his life and stepped up as the mother position.

      Because fellowship was so important to him, Kenneth promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with 5 siblings. They are Gary, Roseanne, Wayne, Scott and Michelle. Kenneth was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

      As a young boy, Kenneth interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Kenneth had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. In his spare time he liked building and construction.

      A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Kenneth was considered by many to be a high achiever. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was welding and shop classes.

      Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Kenneth was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Kenneth, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Kenneth enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, his best friend has always been and always will be his loving wife Anna, and Ken was always very close with his friend Jerry. Later in life, he became friends with John and Roberta, Kevin and Sharon and all the Members of Oshawa Auto Aces Car Club.

      Kenneth was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On June 23, 1973 Kenneth exchanged wedding vows with Anna Maria Cieslik at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church of Oshawa, Ontario.

      All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Kenneth was able to bond with his daughter. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Kenneth was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Kenneth was blessed with one child, Kimberly and her husband Kevin, who Ken considered a son and a best friend. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Alisha and Jessica.

      Kenneth projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Kenneth was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Kenneth could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was in the Final Finesse Department. He was employed for 30 years by General Motors of Canada.

      As an imaginative and inventive person, Kenneth was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Kenneth took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were Auto Shows, Car Racing, Cribbage and fixing cars for family and friends. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Kenneth was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. Recreational sports included baseball. Kenneth was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Nascar.

      Because Kenneth was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Throughout his later years, Kenneth was an active member of the Oshawa Auto Aces Car Club.

      Kenneth possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included Vegas and Nashville.

      Kenneth was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Kenneth's favorites was Ben, a Cocker Spaniel and Thai Thai, a Shorkie. They were best friends for over sixteen years. His family was rounded out by Czar, a Samoyed.

      As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Kenneth accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in September 1, 2008, and Kenneth was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in car shows and travelling.

      Kenneth passed away on August 27, 2017 at Oshawa General Hospital, Oshawa, Ontario. Ken fought a brave battle against cancer. Services were held at Courtice Funeral Chapel, Courtice, Ontario. Kenneth was cremated, and now rests with his family at home and watches over Anna and all his family.

      Though he could be a private person at times, Kenneth was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Kenneth carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Kenneth Gregory Munro shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Kenneth for the strength of his convictions.

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MUNRO, Kenneth Gregory (retired from General Motors Canada)

At Lakeridge Health-Oshawa, on Sunday August 27, 2017, in his 67th year. Beloved husband of Anna Maria Munro. Loved father to Kimberly McGann (Kevin). Ken was the loved son of Josephine Millette and the late Allan Munro and Doris Dugdale, and his parents-in-law Halina and Ziggy Cieslik. Cherished by his grandchildren Alisha (Jordan) and Jessica (John). Fondly remembered by his siblings Gary, Roseanne, Scott, Michelle late Wayne, and by brother and sister in-laws Mary, Bernice, Celina, Andy and late Stella. Dearly loved by his Many nieces and nephews.

Resting at Courtice Funeral Chapel, 1587 Highway 2, Courtice, ON (905-432-8484), with visiting from 10 a.m. till time of Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. on Friday September 1, 2017. Memorial Donations to Lakeridge Health-Bowmanville would appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.courticefuneralchapel.com