Kenneth Leslie Threndyle, 93, died June 24, 2024, at Bluewater Health after a brief stay in palliative care.
His full life, a blessing to many, began in Hanover, Ont., on July 3, 1930. The oldest of five siblings, Ken started helping out with family life from a young age. His strong academic record led him to graduating with all the courses available at his high school well above and beyond what was required. As a teenager, he played the organ at the Presbyterian church, having been awarded an associate diploma (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
At the University of Western Ontario medical school, Ken made lifelong friends and attended many a spirited reunion. In London, Ont., he met Betty Mitchell through the young people's group at New St. James Presbyterian Church. Their marriage in 1955 began the next chapter with adventures to Euclid, Ohio, Corunna, Ont., Mt. Vernon, Texas, and finally to Courtright, Ont.
The Doc, as he was known to some, served his patients with compassion and dedication into his 80s. He was sincerely interested in all the families of the area through the generations, offering a listening ear and the medical care needed.
In his spare time, he relaxed by doing projects with his hands. He was an active choir member throughout his life and continued playing the organ and piano. Always interested in current events and new technologies, his faithful canine, Hazel, was his companion to the end.
Ken's phenomenal memory was a great source of family history. His sense of humour will live on in the stories shared. He was an inspiration to all and will be especially missed by sisters Rose Marie and Shirley Anne Threndyle; sister-in-law Evelyn Mitchell; son John; daughters Alison and Maryan; grandchildren Kyle, Brett and Cole (Katelyn), Katherine, Alison (Austyn), Nicolas and Blake. Predeceased by his parents, Hildred (Willoughby) and Walter; wife, Mary Elizabeth (2009); siblings Mary Lou (2022) and Douglas (2024); son Andrew (2023).
The family extends their gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists associated with Ken's care in recent years, including the personal support workers who visited him every day at home.
Donations to a charity of your choice in memory of Ken would be greatly appreciated.