Kenneth Rubert “Ken” Graydon passed away peacefully through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in his 92nd year.
Beloved husband of the late Phyllis MacDougall Graydon, Ken was the devoted father of Catherine Graydon (Russell Gray) and Sheila Graydon.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ken earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Science from the University of Guelph. He began his career in the late 1950s as a farm radio broadcaster with CBC before moving into association management.
Ken later made a lasting contribution to the automotive industry as a founding director of the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College in Barrie. In recognition of his leadership and service, Georgian College awarded him an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree in 2005. He also served on the Board of Directors of Caledon Meals on Wheels, reflecting his lifelong commitment to education, community, and service.
Ken met the love of his life, Phyllis, in Lachute, Quebec, and together they built a wonderful life in rural Bolton, Ontario, where they raised their family and formed many lifelong friendships.
Music was at the heart of Ken’s life. A gifted pianist and songwriter, he composed many songs, including Bolton’s Centennial Song for the community’s 1967 celebrations. He served for 20 years as organist and choir director at Caven Presbyterian Church and found great joy in gathering family and friends around the piano. His remarkable memory, quick wit, and love of music inspired countless singalongs.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Villa in Midland, Ontario, and to Dr. Robinson and Dr. Murdoch for their exceptional care, guidance, kindness, and unwavering support throughout Ken’s care.
Ken will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the lives he enriched, the music he shared, and the love and generosity he gave so freely.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ken’s life at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213), on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life service in the chapel at 11:30 a.m., followed by a light luncheon at the funeral home. Kindly RSVP to cmgraydon@gmail.com.
Those unable to attend the service in person are invited to view the service through live streaming, at 11:30 a.m. or at a more convenient time for you, please click the following link:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=c88ecf96-f561-4a55-b728-1d22aef5d701
You will be required to register for the service and then Forget Me Not Ceremonies will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. Their customer service team will guide you step by step.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caledon Meals on Wheels (cmow.org), Sleeping Children Around the World (scaw.org), or a charity of your choice. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Kim Rodrigues
Caledon Meals on Wheels is deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Graydon, a valued former member of our Board of Directors and a dedicated supporter of our organization.
Ken played an instrumental role in supporting Caledon Meals on Wheels and the work we do in the community. His leadership, commitment and belief in our mission helped strengthen our organization and contributed to the services we continue to provide today.
We are grateful for Ken’s many contributions and the lasting impact he made on CMOW. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew him. He will be fondly remembered, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him during this difficult time.
Caledon Meals on Wheels
Lea Anne Leavens
Dear Sheila, Catherine, & Russell,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your Dad
As I was reading the lovely tribute that you wrote to commemorate his life I was suddenly struck by how we remember people and sometimes how little we know about them.
To me he was simply your Dad.
Other than his love of music and playing and leading the choir at the church I really didn’t know much about his work and passions.
Thank you for the insight into your Dad.
I know he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Lea Anne Leavens
Bill Holmes / Style Automotive
To The Graydon Family And Friends We Send Our Deepest Condolences At This Difficult Time. We Serviced Ken And Phyliss’s For Many Years And It Was A Pleasure To Do So. They Will Both Be Greatly Missed. I Enjoyed My Conversations When Ken Would Come In For Service And Repairs. Very Intelligent And Well Spoken Gentleman. It Was A Pleasure To Have Made His Acquaintance. Rest In Peace My Friend, Now He Has Been Reunited With His Phyliss . Bill Holmes .
Brenda Mayes
Sheila, Catherine and Russell. Where do I start, as our families share so many memories. Singing in the church choir and at pageants with Ken on the ivories. I do remember practising the anniversary song for Bolton’s Centennial and we sang it to him as a surprise. He played the organ at my wedding, and I remember him playing the music at the Seniors play of Momma Mia. He loved his curling and Earle and him would share stories when they reunited. Our parents are now reunited and rekindling their lifetime friendship. Rest easy Ken.
Kathryn Mifsud
Ken will be remembered as a scholar, a gentleman and a very funny man. He found humour everywhere. He was the leader of our Team, one day creating policies and helping design the future of Caledon Meals on Wheels and its impact on our seniors. The next day, he was on the piano at the Riverview Seniors’ Apartments singing up a storm with dozens of happy participants. Ken was generous, kind and an excellent ‘Girl Dad’. He was also pretty good at remembering everyone’s name!
A life well lived, Ken. You have left a wonderful legacy and you will be remembered.
MurrayStewart
Dear Catherine & Russell and Sheila
From the time we met at OAC, now the University of Guelph, to the day we said goodbye in Midland, our lives crossed paths in many ways, giving me and my family the opportunity to respect Ken’s many talents and contributions to his chosen community, as a Father, Friend, Musician and Sportsman (Curler) and one who was confident in his own decisions. May his final decision grant satisfaction for a job well done and may he rest in peace. Blessing to you, his Family
Murray Woods
Goodbye Ken, many friends including me are feeling the loss. My friendship dates back to college years 1952-56. And after we always maintained contact while our careers followed quite different paths. Ken assumed the leadership of our class traveling group in 2002. Over the next 18 years, and the addition of a number of special friends, Ken led us on some 20 trips touching five continents. What a wonderful legacy of travel he provided each of us to claim. Thank you! Now my you rest in peace. Murray Woods
Heather Romanyk
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Ken Graydon. I always enjoyed hearing the music he played at church for many years and appreciated his dedication to organ and piano playing. I fondly remember one Sunday when he played a variety of songs on the piano for everyone to cherish.
He and his wife Phyllis were both such nice members of the church, and always took the time to say hello and exchange greetings.
My Condolences to their family,
Heather Romanyk
Heather
Catherine Russell and Sheila
So sorry to here of your Dads passing. May he he live on in the many memories you have.
I have many memories of church concerts and he also played the organ for my wedding.
Love to All and your family will be in our prayers.
Larry and Heather (Stewart) Laidlaw
Glen and Nancy Broad (nee Chamberlain)
We send our sincere condolences to the family of Ken Graydon. We remember Ken as an outstanding pianist and organist, for many years at Caven Presbyterian Church. Over the years, with my grandparents Jack and Myrtle Chamberlain, we enjoyed his musical talent and leadership with the choir. Our wedding celebration was held 56 years ago,1970, at Caven Presbyterian Church and we had the honour of Ken playing the organ and Murray Stewart singing 3 beautiful solos. What a dynamic duo! Reverend Marshall S. Jess was the officiating minister. We are very saddened to learn of Ken’s passing.
Lorraine Witty
Sending warm condolences to Catherine(Russell) and Sheila in the loss of your remarkable father, Ken. We were neighbours of the Graydons for over 60 years . On a dark Halloween in 1966, Catherine and Sheila became our only visitors. May you keep every special moment with your father in your hearts.
Dan & Anne Finch
Catherine (Russell) and Sheila,
Our Condolences
We have many fond memories of sharing World Travel destinations, Sunday lunches, coffee times, movie nights, and friends & family party evenings with Ken and Phyllis.
Thanks to Ken for the beautiful sounds of music and laughter that he added to all these gatherings.
MartiK
Dear Sheila, Catherine, and Russell,
Our heartfelt condolences to you during this difficult time.
Ken was such a dear soul…you couldn’t help but love him. I will always cherish the memories of his warmth, his wonderful sense of humour, his love of music, and, of course, his appreciation for good wine and sweet treats.
So grateful for the many beautiful memories we shared over the years. It was truly special to witness the love he and Phyllis shared and the wonderful life they built together. It brings comfort to know they are now reunited.
Rest easy, Ken. You will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all who loved Ken. May your many cherished memories bring you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead.
With love, Marti & Craig and family xo
Richard Claude Gauthier
As a long-time friend and admirer of Ken’s I want to express, not only my condolences but also my admiration for the courage and grace with which Ken and his immediate family have faced the challenges of the last several months. Throughout the 30 years that I’ve known Ken, I’ve never known him to back away from a challenge. He never adopted the quickest and most expedient path to addressing an issue, but rather constantly chose the most well informed and intelligent option. Such has been Ken’s approach for all the years I’ve known him. When I succeeded him in his role at CADA, I tried to emulate him in every way possible. It was my guiding light.
Ken approached his entire life on his own terms and continued to do so until his final day with us. That is the spirit of a great and determined man.
To Sheila, Catherine, Russell & family, I commend you for the support and strength you displayed throughout the last several years. You too have my admiration and gratitude.
With respect,
Rick Gauthier
Nancy & Ken Yates
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your Dad! He was a wonderful man! We enjoyed our times with him and your Mom. May memories sustain you as you get used to life without them.
Bonnie & Terry Grogan
Catherine and family,
Our deepest condolences. What an honour to have him in the Caledon community – and such pride to have him as your father.
Sending virtual hugs your way.
Bonnie & Terry Grogan
Veronique Delaunois
I was deeply saddened to hear of Ken’s passing.
I have had the privilege of knowing Ken for more than 20 years through our time together on the ABSC Board of Directors. Over those many years, I came to truly value not only his contributions and commitment, but also the wonderful conversations we shared. I always especially enjoyed our talks about travel and, of course, our children. Those conversations and the memories they created are ones I will cherish.
Ken was a wonderful person, and his passing is a tremendous loss. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
My heart goes out to Ken’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May they find comfort in the many wonderful memories of a life so well lived, and in knowing how much Ken was respected, appreciated, and cared for by those around him.
With deepest sympathy,
Veronique
Beth Sangster
Our family knew Mr Graydon (Kenny) as a proud member of The Wranglers – a group of six men from St Andrews church in Toronto. My dad, Ron, was Kenny’s boat mate for many years. The Wranglers shared a mutual love of fishing, owned a fishing camp together but more importantly, together with their wives and families, formed a lifelong friendship.
Cat, Russell and Sheila – our sincere condolences. He will be missed. May he forever “Wrangler through eternity”.
Christine Sevigny
My deepest condolences to Ken’s family and loved ones. I had the privilege of working with Ken for many years at Caledon Meals on Wheels, and I will always remember him for his wisdom, kindness, generosity of spirit, humour and unwavering support.
Ken touched the lives of so many through his compassion, warmth, and willingness to help others. I feel very fortunate to have known and worked alongside him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honour of knowing him.
Bonnie Looby
So sorry for your loss, just know that he is at peace with your mom
Mary MacGregor
my husband’s dear friend. Who kept us all connected. Guelph was the starting point and the ending. they both left us this year. I spoke to him not long ago. how special. left us with beautiful pictures of our summer home and boat rides there and from his cottage. many years together with Phyllis and sometimes the girls. sincerely Mary MacGregor
Bill Barber
Catherine, Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. His strong faith will surely find your mum in heaven.