In his 80th year, Kenneth (Ken) James Harley passed away peacefully on December 5th in the care of the Ottawa Hospital with family by his side. Ken was born on June 5, 1940 and raised in Selkirk, Manitoba. He attended university in Michigan and Winnipeg, where he received his B.A. in Political Science in 1965.
On June 20th, 1964, he married the love of his life and his best friend, Maxine Scott. They celebrated 55 years of wedded bliss just this past summer. Now, anyone who knew Ken knew of his love for adventure and travel. After spending a year with CUSO in Jamaica, he joined External Affairs on June 6, 1966 (6-6-66). This started a lifetime of wandering the world with his family in tow. They had postings in Cypress, Cuba, Trinidad, Peru, Washington, and Barbados. This doesn’t come close, though, to listing the dozens of countries he visited as part of his duties.
Retirement in 1997 continued the travels, especially to warmer climates, but he also got involved in many, many extracurricular activities, both before and after. He was active with the Antique Car Club, Masonic Lodge, Shriners (where he learned to “fly” planes!), Scottish Rite, Scouts, school boards, and the naval reserves. He also loved to golf, sail, research genealogy, and deliver Meals on Wheels.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Maxine; children Kym (Dan Cardinal), Debra (Rod Penney) and Kevin (Jane Chipman); and two grandchildren who were the lights of his life - Conor and Maya. Not to mention the numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, and the “just like family” neighbours and friends.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, on Tuesday, December 10 from 12:30 p.m. until the time of a Masonic Service at 1:30 p.m. which will be followed by a Funeral Service at 2 p.m. Interment and reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ottawa Heart Institute or the Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Gary Green
Cynthia Currie
I think Ken and Maxine were amongst the first friends I made when I moved from Guyana to join Jim in Ottawa. Our friendship continued all of these years. Ken will be remembered very fondly, we had some great times together . My sincerest condolences to the entire family. May you treasure the memories.
Mike Gasher and Dianne Arbuckle
Very sorry to lose our "Uncle Ken," whom we were fortunate to get to know when we moved back east. We spent a number of Thanksgivings and Christmases together, along with the rest of the family, and we were always happy when Ken and Maxine surprised us with a visit on one of their local road trips. Condolences to the entire Harley family from the Gashbuckles. We will miss him.
Bonnie and Nick Norcott
Our sincere condolences to Maxine and family. We have fond memories of Ken from our posting in Barbados .
John and Jennifer Fowell
We well remember Ken for his congeniality, generosity and many interests. Indeed, he was a "rock". Maxine and family please accept our sincere condolences.
Gar and Eleanor Scott
Sorry for your loss We will all miss him Love to all
Rob Howell
Maxine, please accept my condolences. We will miss Ken greatly at the Metcalfe Golf Club. He was a kind and caring man that touched many people at the course.
Kathleen LeValliant
Ken epitomized the friendship that is inherent in being a neighbour. He was on hand, ready to assist. Whether the the help required was trivial, convivial or profound, Ken was just a call, or knock on the door away. Maxine, Kym, Deb and Kevin, your neighbors were grateful for that, and so much more. Ken is missed, but his constant example remains, as we remain your friends and neighbours.
Melanie Sheppard Baird and Tony Baird
Deb, we send our deepest condolences and love to you and your family at this difficult time.
Bob Arbuckle
My condolences to you Maxine and your family. Ken will be missed by many.
Sorry I am out of town and will not be able to attend the service. I will miss visiting with Ken at the monthly breakfast for the Old Car Guys.