Obituary of Kenneth Disney McPhaden

McPHADEN, Kenneth Disney He was fine until he wasn’t. Often confirming that getting old is not for the faint of heart, he was determined to get to his goal of 110 years, by remaining physically active and involved. Singing, exercising three times a week at the Centre Branch Y, and keeping the garden under control kept his retirement days occupied. Unfortunately, just a month shy of his 97th birthday, Kenneth Disney McPhaden was admitted to LHSC University Hospital with a sudden onset of pneumonia and passed away unexpectedly on Monday October 9, 2023. He was pre-deceased in 2013 by his wife Marion (nee MacLennan) of 64 years and in 2011 by his son Cameron. He is survived by his two daughters Nora Trombley (Douglas) of Whitehorse, Yukon and Margaret McPhaden of London, Ontario and his sister Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Hatch in Panama. A long life well lived, Ken was born to Margery and Sturgis McPhaden in New Westminster, British Columbia on November 6, 1926. Ken enjoyed his lifelong passion for music whether it was playing the piano or singing in the church choir. Having just celebrated his 58th year as a member in good standing of SPEBQSA his barbershop singing career spanned a lifetime beginning in 1948 and winning 9 International medals with the “Scarborough Dukes of Harmony” from 1976 through to 1990. After high school Ken worked for a variety of companies from The A&P, Neilson’s Chocolate, Burns Brothers Securities, London Life Insurance Company and finally, IBM Canada. After retiring from IBM in 1987 and relocating to London Ontario in 1991, Ken joined the London Men of Accord and helped establish the quartets “Afternoon Delight” and “London Fog”. Cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Arrangements for a celebration of life will be made for some time in 2024. Expressions of sympathy can be made through London Cremation Services (519) 6672-0459 or online at www.londoncremation.com. Charitable donations can be made in Ken’s name Harmonize 4 Speech at www.harmonize4speech.org or a charity of your choice. Remembering all those who crossed his path, sang along, shared a Caesar or a beer, encouraged him to exercise, and to stay on the sunny side...please don’t shoot the piano player, he’s doing the best he can! Cheers.