In Memorium

JOHNS, Ken (Royal Canadian Army Second Survey Regiment; Past President and 60-year member of the Weston Lions Club; first and only person designated as a Weston Historical Artifact in 1997 by the Weston Historical Society; Proprietor of Ken Johns Menswear; dedicated volunteer with the West Park Hospital for many years). Peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2006 at the Humber River Regional Hospital - Church Site. Ken, devoted husband of the late Doris (nee Vanden Bergh) and loving partner of Fran Rupke (nee Johnston). Beloved father of Doug and Sue, Ron and Toni; adored grandfather to Tricia, Derek, Adam, Danielle and Kevin. Delighted great-grandfather to Nicholas and Lochlin. Predeceased by his sister Doris and his brother George. Friends may call at the Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Rd. (north of Lawrence Ave.), Weston on Monday from 1 p.m. until time of the memorial service in the chapel at 3 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family.


Ken John's was a dear family friend who acted as Yenta for DH and I. He ran a men's clothing store in Weston, where we lived, where our fathers shopped for their suits. Ken had known us both since we were small children. My apartment was across the street from his store when I was on my own and I'd often visit the store and sit in the back drinking cups of tea and talking with Ken about our mutual love of England. He had an amazing knack for telling funny stores, with a twinkle in his eye and a gentle smile on his face. The entire back wall of his store was covered in coffee mugs, each with a name on it and each belonging to a regular customer who always stopped at Ken's for a cup of coffee and a visit whenever in Weston. Ken decided that DH and I were suited to one another and so took us out to dinner at a local restaurant one evening. We sat talking and getting to know each other with Ken a genial host who got the ball rolling and then made a discrete exit before desert. When we married two and a half years later it was only natural that Ken would be our master of ceramonies. He was always so proud of the fact that he'd been the one to bring us together. We've been married 16 years now. We have so many wonderful memories of Ken, his store, his stories, and his dedication to caring for others either through his membership with the Weston Lions, or in volunteering at West Park Hospital, where his wife Doris spent her final years suffering from Alzheimers. It was an honour and a pleasure to be Ken's friend and we'll miss him dearly.