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
Dr. Ardyn Todd and Ethel Todd
Mike Campbell
Sincere sympathy on the death of Ken. He organized our golf group at the Metcalfe Golf Club. I was very grateful for this opportunity to extend my golfing into later years. Bon voyage Ken.
Sandy McNiece
I met Ken through seniors golf at the Metcalfe Golf Club - a great conversationalist with a warm smile and always a warm welcome - he will be greatly missed - Sincere condolences to the family
Gerald Skinner
I join you in sadness and memory. Ken was a classmate of a remarkable year -- and remarkable he was. himself. Gerry
Jack & Lillian Paul
Our deepest condolences to Maxine & the family.
We knew Ken through the Antique Car Club & car sorry his life has been cut short.
Basharat and Farzana Malik
We are so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. We always enjoyed his stories, at our antique car club gatherings, of all the places he had been to in the world. He will truly be missed.
Ivan & Isabelle St Amant
Very sorry to hear about the lost of a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers is with your family
Arch Harvey
Ken did a great job of organizing our seniors golf at Metcalfe. There is a memory board at Metcalfe and I will make sure Kens name is included. Best wishes Arch
Denise Cote
My deepest condolences to Maxine and family.
Mike Briere
He was a great addition to our monthly, car club breakfast. We will miss him
We will miss a very good friend and travelling companion along life's highway.