Kenneth ‘Ken’ John Girard
April 1, 2023
Ken passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife and best friend, Vivian, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at University Hospital. He was 86.
Growing up in Toronto, Ken was a talented, multi-sport athlete. He began his career playing hockey for the Toronto Marlies, winning two Memorial Cups in 1955 and 1956. At age 19, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and, later, a number of AHL teams. He retired from hockey at age 23. In 1958, Ken embarked on his second career, becoming a member of the PGA of Canada. He was Head Professional at Orchard Beach G.C., Summit G.C., and the London Hunt Club from 1972 to 1994. Among his many accomplishments as a golf professional, Ken won the PGA Senior Championship of Canada in 1999. In 2021, Ken was honoured as an inductee into the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame.
Loving father of Lori and Brian (Judy); bonus father of Karen (Dan) and Sean (Priscilla); adored Magic-Grandpa of Maria (Chad), Krystyna, Courtney (Scott), Karly, Samantha, Lauren and Lukas; dear Great-Grandpa of Matthu and Ryerson. Ken was predeceased by his first wife, Liz, and his son-in-law, Pat.
Ken was a kind and loving man. He was a devoted, patient and caring husband. He doted on his grandchildren. He was adored and loved by his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ken are asked to consider a charity of your choice.
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A donation has been made to The Cancer Society.
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was a great guy and so well respected in the golf community. His love for, and experiences in both golf and hockey, gave he and my dad many tales to tell even with their difference in ages. Perhaps having the same first name was a connection as well. I will always remember Ken's professionalism and friendliness whenever I saw him. His smile always made me feel welcome. Vivian, Brian, Judy, and all the family members, along with Ken's many, many friends and colleagues have my sincerest sympathy. Keep remembering, keep telling the tales....I hope he's having a game of cards or a round with my dad along with the many who have gone before.
Viv, and all of your family, I am so sorry. Ken was so wonderful and patient with Jim, and the 4 of you were good friends. I'm just going to say that many people will miss him, he was one of a kind, and maybe Jim has a tee time arranged! My sincere condolences, Anne
It was a pleasure meeting Ken and his wife and seeing them every summer they'd come up to the golf course in Renfrew. He was a very personal man and gracious with his time. Our condolences.
A donation has been made.
My sincere condolences and sympathy to Vivian and all of the family. I enjoyed becoming acquainted with him when he was our golf professional. He was always polite and helpful to me. Sincerely, Shirley Willoughby
Vivian, Brian and family. I am saddened to hear about the passing of KG. I worked for Ken at the Hunt Club in the seventies and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He was extraordinarily talented and had a unique ability to tell great stories. Throughout my employment with Ken and for years after when I would run into him, I found him to be knowledgeable, fair and encouraging. I always enjoyed the time I spent with him and appreciate the guidance he provided to me as a young man. Please accept my sincere condolences and I hope you take comfort in knowing his was a life well lived.
What a privilege to work with KG. So many fond memories and will not be forgotten. Ken was an amazing story teller, truly had a gift. I will miss catching Ken's wedge shots in my baseball glove during clinics and will forever remember opening the shop on a weekend morning only to find out Ken had been there for two hours already trying to change the look of the shop, then scrambling to put it back together before the first tee time.
I am very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I remember him well as a young boy at the Hunt Club with my late Father, Dr John Sweeney , up until he retired when I was finishing University. Ken was always friendly with a great sense of humour. He was always well organized and fair with all Members no matter who they were. I look back on those years with great joy. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Sincerely, Sean Sweeney .
Ken was a great pro to work for and a good friend. He taught me so much about the golf business. So many great memories when I think about working for Ken.
Services for Kenneth ‘Ken’ John Girard
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
April 8, 2023 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
My brothers and I worked for a number of years in the pro shop at the Hunt Club in London. Ken Girard was the head pro and our boss. "KG" was a great guy. He had a soft spot for all the kids who used to be caddies, were working for him, and shared his love for the game of golf. KG was a kind man, a terrific golfer, and quite the raconteur. Ken treated the MacKinnon boys very well, and for that I will always be grateful. My sincerest condolences to Vivian, Brian and the family. RIP KG. Peter MacKinnon
~ Peter MacKinnon