It is with great sadness that the Ilderton and District Lions club announce his passing on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at the age of 83.
There are those among us who could write a book about Ken McConnell’s antics, some of which could be described as outrageous. Needless to say, his death this week after a lengthy stay in hospital marked the end of an era in which Ken entertained and even shocked those of us who had the privilege to be in his presence. As Ilderton and District Lions, we were accustomed to Ken’s habit of sitting as far away from the head table as possible, allowing him to chat with other Lions during the business portion of our meetings. And his penchant for making shocking and provocative comments which always generated a chorus of boisterous laughter. A salesman for Coca-Cola for 40 years, Ken sold our Lions members on the importance of family, friendship and not taking life too seriously.
He and his wife Judy raised two wonderful children, Ted and Kim, on a 60 acre farm on Greystead Drive. Through golf, snowmobiling, a motorhome and almost 50 years as a Lion, the Ken McConnell legacy was formed. Some stories “should” not be told but my favourite was the one I heard about Ken’s participation in a parade in downtown London. The Ilderton Lions had built an “Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe” float and Ken’s mischievous personality prompted him to walk Dundas Street wearing only a cloth diaper and a pair of flip flops. Apparently, mothers lining the parade route were covering their children’s eyes as Ken strutted his stuff. The more serious Ken was fiercely committed to his community as demonstrated through his dedication to fundraising for the construction of the Ilderton Arena and supporting the area’s youth. He and many other veteran Lions, some no longer with us, gave countless hours to barbecues, Gold Nugget Nights and Car Draws, all to serve our community and improve the quality of life for families living in and around Ilderton. So sorry to see you go, Ken; but when I think of you it’s hard not to smile.
Haskett Obituary: https://www.haskettfh.com/mcconnell-ken-of-rr1-denfield/
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