Ken was Johnny’s friend for many years and I know they had some great adventures together. In the three years that Ken rented our basement he was never a tenant and always a friend. His great chuckle, love of spicy food which he cooked up in our kitchen late at night so we felt hungry at bedtime, , his passion for the outdoors and of course mountain biking these are just a few of the fond memories we have of Ken. We cannot begin to imagine the loss and heartache that you must feel. Please know we are thinking of you both and your family.

Ken and I shared many good times doing what he and I loved to do: biking, climbing, hiking, racing and just plain hanging out. He was positive and motivated towards anything he did. Ken easily made friends any place he went and it was a pleasure to know. Losing him is a huge loss to everyone who knew him. I am deeply sorry he was taken from you prematurely. Fond memories will remain in my heart and mind for many years to come.

You were not much of a talker, yet you left a mark on many people after they met you. Your work spoke for itself and will be the lasting legacy that you leave for a lot of people to enjoy and remember you by for years to come. Ken, we will miss you and you will be thought of often. You lived life on your terms and enjoyed what you did. I am glad that I got the chance to hang and ride with you. Take care my friend………..

I was so shocked to hear about Ken’s passing. I know that all his friends and family will miss his great compassion for life and sense of humour.
His love for designing, building and enjoying mountain bike trails, made him an invaluable team member in Jamaica. I am sure that he will be missed by all that enjoyed his company.
To his many friends and family, you have my heartfelt sympathies.

Ken will be sadly missed by the whole biking community. He had a zest for life and always made everyone around him see how much pleasure life can give. Just spending any time with Ken was always a pleasure and this terrible event has ended a special life far too early. My thoughts go out to all Ken’s family and friends in your time of need.

Ken didn’t have to say much for you to know he was there.

I’ll always have the memories of building, then, ripping the downhill trails of Blue Mountain with you.

Everytime I drop in it’ll be for you bro.

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. He always had such a big smile. We will miss him at Blue.

I remember when I first met Ken, it was the same day I met Sheila and Michelle, during a Women’s Learn to Downhill clinic at Blue. Ken “just happened to be there” 😉 and as the rain started to fall and most of the participants decided to call it a day, the few of us left asked Ken what might be a good trail for our last run. “Squeeker” he said with a huge grin, “Sure!” we replied not having the foggiest idea what we were getting ourselves into…And that was truly the way Ken lived his life, never a dull moment, never turning down an opportunity to challenge himself and those around him. When most of us look at what we would refer to as our life long bucket list, Ken used that as a day to day “To do” list. The VW was constantly packed and ready for any adventure with snowshoes, xc skis, bikes, crampons, ice axes and quite a few empty diet Coke bottles. Ken was influential to many of his friends and his enthusiasm for biking, hiking, skiing and all things outdoorsy has surely had a huge impact on many, including me. He will be greatly missed by so many people. My condolences to his mother, father sister and extended family. May your memories of Ken support you during this incredibly difficult time.

We are very sorry to hear we’ve lost our friend of so many years. Our best wishes are with you and our fond thoughts are with Ken.

Ken was a super fun & lovable guy and we enjoyed many years in the mountain bike industry together. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you…

What a tragic loss. I enjoyed Ken’s company and trails during my trips to Jamaica. His smile and his trails did most of the talking. Rest in Peace Ken, you brought happiness to many people, your trails will keep giving in your memory. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

The picture choosen to remember Ken by is perfect, I’ll never forget that smile, never knew he wore a tie!

Diane and Family:

Barb and I extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. It is tragic, and our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.

Diane; Ray; Kiley; Nana (Dot) , family, and friends;

Our sincerest sympathies at this tragic time of loss. I only remember Ken as “Kenny”, but what I was blessed to know was a kind, quiet, young man who was always very considerate and a loving addition to my Nana’s life. God bless you all at this time . Love Martin, Brenda & family.

My heart breaks upon this news. Ken was one of the most influential people in my life during my teens and twenties. His love for adventure and his passion to experience life is something to be admired. We can all learn something about “living” from Ken. In his short 43 years, he did and experienced more that most of us would in several lifetimes.

I feel your loss, but I rejoice in the beautiful memories.

Stephen

I heard the story on the news today on CBC news but they did not release Ken’s name. Then a mutual friend sent me a message on Facebook saying it was Ken, thank you Michelle. Ken always had a smile and always had time for a chat. Fondest memories were around the campfire and DH’ing with him. Giggling all the way down the hill. You will be missed Ken.

Aunt Dot……..Ray & Diane………. & Kiley

I am in Toronto today……..and very sorry and sad to get this news…….I am headed back to Minneapolis MN in the morning…….sorry I will miss the funeral.

I want you to know that I am thinking about each of you and wishing you all the best during these challenging times.

I have many great memories of Kenny at the cottage & I know he will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with you and all the best! Love
BPD

Building trails and riding bikes with Ken in Jamaica – fond memories. Talking about riding or building a new trail always had him grinning or laughing and his enthusiasm was infectious. Ken was one of life’s good guys and I’m glad to have known him.
Rest in Peace Ken.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. I had the great pleasure of knowing Ken since 2004. He was one of the most adventurous and happiest person I have had the pleasure of meeting. If Ken wasn’t smiling, he was about to. All who knew him are better for it. He will be missed.

I remember saying hello to you every morning on your way off to the hill and every night back at Op’s before we both venturerd home. We always had a few laughs for each other. I am happy you were my friend and you will be missed by all of your many friends here at Blue.

RIP my friend

Thoughts are with Ken’s Family.
He was an incredible Human being. I feel Privledged just to Know someone like him. Alot of biking memories with Ken. And just hanging out having fun and laughs. His passion for biking and enjoying life is an inspiration to me. If everyone in the world could be just a little like Ken, it would be a better place! Will miss ya buddy. Rest in peace.

My thoughts are with the family. Ken was a inspiration to all who rode bikes. Always happy to be on his bike. I was so happy to hear he was doing what he loved (carving trails) last year when I saw him at Blue. He was taken far too early and will be missed greatly. His spirit will always ride on.

RIP friend

Cousin Ray and Diane – my prayers are with you and I wish I could be with you in person but unable at this time. BIG HUGS for both of you, take care, God Bless and I wish you enough……………….
With Love – Cousin Carolyn

Stephen said it perfectly. Ken influenced many lives around him and we can all learn something from his passion to live life to the fullest each and every day. My friendship began riding the bus to high school together and grew over the years. I spent many years having so much fun with Ken and our close group of friends. There is a void now with his loss, but yes – the memory of that amazing smile and his wonderful giggle will remind us all of the many many good times we all shared together. Ken will never be forgotten.

My Deepest Sympathy to his family at this time of loss. We will all miss his Deeply.

Robin

We are truly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Ray’s son.

Ray and his brother, Don, have provided our residents with over 18 years of excellent service and we have come to know the family and their generous, genuine nature. We send our support regarding the unfair passing of Ken who, undoubtedly, demonstrated a true and solid nature like that of his family. May Ken rest in peace.

So very terribly sad. Ken was a dear friend for many years, through much fun, laughter and grand adventures. This is an incomprehensible loss, of such a lovely, good-humoured and good man. My thoughts and profound sympathy to Ken’s parents, family and all of his many many friends.

I will miss Ken always.

Dear Ray and Diane
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family at this time.
My Deepest Sympathy
Susan Smith

Dear Ray and Diane
We are very saddened by the loss of your son Ken our hearts are
heavy , and our prayers and our thoughts are with you and all the
family.

I will never forget Ken’s smile the day we drove into the campground in Bromont for a weekend of riding. We camped in our VW bus which Ken also had in “various parts and locations” he would later explain. He immediately welcomed us into the fold, and would become a riding partner, mechanic, parts man and a hand to pick me up after a dust up. Thanks Ken, you will be missed.

Ken was a good man to get to know when I was riding and building bike trails in Jamaica. Always looking out for you and willing to help you have fun. To his whanau, Kia Kaha!

It is so very sad to hear of Ken’s passing. My heart goes out to everyone in his family. It’s a tremendous loss.

As it is very clear, Ken cast a very wide shadow in the world he inhabited. He had a profound influence on many through his actions, his passion for the sport he clearly loved and how he gave back so much.

For me I recall vividly being at perhaps my first downhill race, maybe it was my second. Enormously intimidated by everyone around me, doubting and rethinking why I even made the trip. Yet through a casual conversation at the top of the hill, Ken said “Hey follow me down, let’s do a run together”. In a moment I felt, wow, here’s this great rider taking a second to include me, to make me feel welcome. It just seemed like the kind of think Ken always did.

I keep thinking I’ll run into him at Blue.

Brian

I would like to extend my condolences to Ken’s family. I knew Ken in his college days, when he had long wild hair, and that blue restored sports car. I was part of the gang that included his close friends Jeff, Mark and Dan, and we spent many fun weekends hanging out. I will never forget his infectious laugh, his bright blue eyes, and his unique grin. My prayers are with you all.
Lisa Korozsi

On behalf of the Orillia Chapter of the Back Alley Cruisers, I want you to know that we are truly saddened by your loss. Although we never met Ken, we know that he was a good and kind person.This was so because you,his parents, are good and kind people. All of us have experienced your kindness. Please know that our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time.
We cherish you as friends.
Ed Looney, Kelly Gautier, Ron Hollinger, Vern Ewanchuk, Len Shular, Rod Barkey, Bob Shaw, Tim Shelswell, John Horne, Keith McCaroll, Charlie Vanmuyen and Marco D’Angelo.

My deepest sympathies for your loss. Ken was a great and positive influence for my nephew Forrest Groves. His passion for cycling was contagious and Forrest was eager to do well as he greatly admired Ken and held him in the highest esteem. There were many happy moments shared by both.

I wish your family peace and we will be thinking of you and Ken.

With deepest sympathies.

Nicole

I am so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Ken, please accept my heartfelt sympathies. May you find some comfort and strength in your memories. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Dear Cousin Ray, Diane & Kiley,

Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. He will always be alive within your hearts.

You are in our thoughts and our prayers.

Love Deborah & Judy

We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss.
We will treasure the memories of the weekends at the lake when Ken was a boy. He will always be Kenny to us.
May your memories give you strength and always remember how
much you are cared about.

Terry and Linda

I was shocked to hear about Ken’s passing under such strange circumstances. I will never forget his lust for life. On one of our trips to Tremblant I questioned Ken about the radiator in the roof box as I loaded my snowboard. He said the rad was leaking and just in case it blows on the way up I brought a spare so we could change it on the side of the road. Most of us wouldn’t even drive to the grocery store never mind to Tremblant with a leaky rad, but that was Ken. We can all learn a lesson from him and live life to the fullest each day. Sad you’re gone but the memories will live on forever. Rest in peace.

Andy

The world will not be the same without Ken’s smile. Every time I spent time with Ken he always had a pleasant feeling about him. This I will always remember.
Thank you Ken.

Mary said it best, “When most of us look at what we would refer to as our life long bucket list, Ken used that as a day to day “To do” list”! I remember when we first met in 1997. As a novice mountain biker, I struggled to stay with the pack as we rode the trails in Mansfield. We were a bunch of coworkers from Honda and this was a hobby. Weekly we began to see this crazy man on a bike. He did things we wouldn’t think of trying and we quickly named him “cool guy”. One day Cool Guy came to the rescue when we were broken down on the trails. He was riding solo and he joined us for the rest of the ride. What a patient soul he was! Ken’s abilities far exceeded ours but week after week he kept coming out to ride with us. Ken made all of us better bikers and mechanics 🙂 As we became better friends over the years, he never shared my Christian beliefs. Ironically, he’s lived a life very much like Christ. Never focusing on monetary things but appreciating all that God had given him (nature & his physical abilities). Ken would share what little he had. He was peaceful, compassionate, loved unconditionally and by his example, challenged us to do the same. It’s been a blessing having Ken as part of my life. Can’t wait to see the trails you’ve made for us in heaven!

I got to know Ken early on in my teenage years, a kid from the city moving into the country who became my neighbour and then my friend, and during this time and into my early twenties we got to know each other quite well as we spent alot time together. Thinking back these past few days remembering the dirt bike tracks we built in Adjala, quite a few of them and really good ones, and I realized more now than back then; that without Ken they probably would have been just ovals with a couple of jumps – maybe.
There are so many memories that have come flooding back the last few days and I am saddened that I can no longer say to Ken remember when and laugh about it or say what’s new.
I told Ken when he called about a year ago how much I admired how his world is my oyster take on life and how he was able to have his work be his passion.
Trish and I will dearly miss Ken and our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, sister and family.

Ken was probably the nicest of all of my brother’s friends. I remember “Ken and Jennifer” were a couple I looked up to. Ken was always so respectful of Jennifer, and kind to everyone… even the kid sisters. His smile was so sincere. Just a great example of a wonderful human being. Thank you for the sunshine you shared with those in your world, Ken. My deepest sympathy to your family. Your life was too short, but with your life, you shone brightly.

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences.

I only met Ken once but that’s all it took to know he was truly a stand up guy. Reading these comments about his smile, it’s so true that his ear-to-ear grin is the only expression you would ever see on his face 🙂 …even at 6am in the morning ready to hit some trails. I’m saddened that I will never have the privilege of getting to know him better but I am also happy to know that Ken has blazed some trails that will make me and many others forever remember him. What an absolutely great guy that will for surely be missed.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Thomas

Ken was an awesome guy. I worked in Jamaica from January through till April this year along with Ken. He was so good to us… he took our crew of 8 New Zealand guys on awesome road trip weekend holidays around Jamaica.. so gutted to hear about what happened. I am in Portugal now- where he was coming this week…
He was just a cool happy guy. Miss you, Ken.. you’re the man, a top bloke !!!!

To the family and dear friends of Ken, I am so sorry and saddened by his passing. He was without a doubt a genuine person. I feel very fortunate having had the privilege of getting to know him.

I worked with Ken in the early stages of Jamaica. Between work, living and exploring I spent a lot of time with him over a short two month period. It took no time at all to become great friends. It was easy with Ken as he was a very likable guy.

I will continue to reflect on the fond memories and great laughs for a very long time.

I am gutted, I only just found out about Kens death. I am so sorry for his loss. I first met Ken in 1986, I was new in Toronto from northern Ontario and I was at school with Jennifer. She introduced me to her boyfriend and we became friends immediately. We had many adventures and a few travels together. New York many times, Hiking, camping and then when i decided to move to BC Ken and Jennifer decided to escort me half way across the country and what a great time we had. The smile…. ah yes I remember that smile and the zest for life he was a great guy . Sadly we lost touch when I moved overseas and i cannot count the times I have thought of him and thought I need to get in touch with him but life has a way of …getting in the way. I regret not having done it sooner and now I can only say I wish I had. Life is too short and kens was cut off way too early. You will be missed bro. Rest In Peace.

Nelson

I remember Ken with extreme fondness. He was one of my brother’s best friends and my favourite. I don’t ever remember Ken without a smile on his face. Always with a wide grin and something positive to say. My heart goes out to his family. To lose someone like this is a real tragedy.