Teacher and mentor Ken MacLennan knew how to make people feel seen and heard | Canada Voices

Kenneth Rae MacLennan: Teacher. Uncle. Friend. Mentor. Born Nov. 24, 1935, in Ripley, Ont.; died Sept. 29, 2025, of renal failure, in Toronto, aged 89.

Ken MacLennan was known to friends and family simply as “Uncle Ken.” He did not have children but nevertheless helped raise several amazing human beings. Ken’s many protégés included students, godchildren, friends, neighbours and two generations of nieces and nephews.

Ken was born to Norma, a teacher, and Neil, an undertaker and barber. As the youngest, with three larger-than-life siblings, Ken worked hard for his share of attention. After graduating from high school in 1953, Ken set out for Lake Louise, Alta., where he worked as a waiter to earn tuition. Ken graduated from the University of Toronto and Teacher’s College and taught French at Danforth Tech, Parkdale Collegiate and finished his career as head of the French department at Bloor Collegiate.

Ken had a great curiosity for different cultures and travelled to many places, including Mexico, France, Israel, Hong Kong, Isla del Rosario in Colombia and Sao Miguel Island in Portugal for a 300-kilometre walking tour visiting 100 churches to sing and pray. In 1971, he spent a year cooking and caring for the intellectually disabled at the L’Arche community in France. Ken was moved by the experience and returned home to Toronto to join the Catholic Church. Ken made other courageous decisions, such as coming out as a gay man, giving up alcohol and helping many others to do the same.

Ken rode his bike all over Toronto until the age of 88 from the AGO to the ROM to Roy Thomson Hall. Ken surrounded himself with books and poetry, painting, sculptures, opera, symphony and theatre. Ken read The Little Prince once a year. Ken connected with people of all kinds and made friends and family feel seen, heard and valued. With a zest for punctuality, clarity, inclusion and communication, Ken would be sure to let you know if you fell short in any of these measures. Ken stood up for what he believed in and was not afraid to say so.

Ken’s kindness and generosity was never loud or showy. Ken made you want to be a better person. At 78, he volunteered to cook for the Friends for Life cycling fundraiser from Toronto to Montreal. Ken was a self-taught cook and had a contagious enthusiasm for food, especially the joy of a homemade soup, fresh bread or the best Portuguese tart.

Ken was the first to arrive at any event, in colourful style with a contagious joie de vivre. From dance recitals, to school plays, to competitions, to reunions, to community events, to birthdays and anniversaries, to hospitals and nursing homes, you just knew that Ken would be there because that’s who he was. Ken donated to Médecins Sans Frontières after every funeral.

When the Invictus Games were held in Toronto in 2017, Ken was a keen spectator across town and he noted for those eight days, the city seemed to be a kinder, friendlier place. Last February, Ken flew to Vancouver with his best friend, Glenn, to see the Invictus Games once again. Spontaneously, on a beautiful, sunny day on the top of Whistler Mountain, Ken was given the honour to hand out the Invictus Biathlon medals – such a meaningful experience to celebrate resilience, strength and spirit, on Ken’s final trip.

Ken knew how to love. He listened. He led by example. On dark days, Ken would simply hold your hand and be in your corner. Ken celebrated goodness and hoped to inspire others to do the same.

Sarah MacLennan is Ken MacLennan’s youngest niece.

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