December 31, 1938 – July 28, 2023
Peacefully passed at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on Friday, July 28th, 2023 at the age of 84 years. Beloved husband of Dawn Black (née Sturgess). Loving father of Todd Black, Trevor Black (Valerie) and Francis Empey (Dave). Proud grandfather of Kendall Black, Katrina Black, Crystal Empey, Nicholas Empey and Stephen Empey. Dear brother of Evelyn Cochrane (the late Bev) and predeceased by his siblings Doug, Lois (the late Don Shannon) and Marie Marling (the late Bert). Will be missed by his sister-in-law Linda. Sadly missed by extended family members and dear friends.
Kenneth grew up and lived his entire life in Thornton, Ontario. He farmed alongside with the Cochrane family. He worked at General Tire for 25 years while having a side firewood and roofing business. After General Tire closed, he went back to driving transport truck and retired from Warren Gibson Ltd. Kenneth’s love for baseball and hockey started when he was young. He loved to play hockey in Thornton and baseball in Ivy. He would then end up coaching his son’s hockey teams. Him and Dawn enjoyed throwing rocks at the Cookstown Curling Club. One of his accomplishments was also being a 50 years Mason with the Cookstown Masonic Lodge. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Essa Township for 27 years.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The Service will take place the following day on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 inside the Chapel at 11 am. A private family interment will take place following at the Thornton Union Cemetery. Memorial Donation may be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Diabetes Canada and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com