Kenneth Peter Hartley

Ken was born on March 25th, 1948 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto to Vernon Thompson Hartley and Kathleen Georgina Ferrier. Ken and his family moved to California in 1956 having also lived in Calgary and Sparwood, British Columbia. He attended El Camino College in Torrance, California where he met his wife of 48 years, Mary Esther in 1967.

As a conscientious objector, Ken returned with Mary to Toronto, Canada in January 1969; where they married soon after on July 10, 1969. He pursued a career in auditing and investments with Royal Insurance where he held a management role for several years. Always a free spirit, Ken left in 1989 to pursue a personal business venture; the company still exists today. He was always firmly rooted to his Lawrence Park neighborhood; he served the community as a deli clerk with Metro for well over 10 years.

Ken’s true passion was food and cooking. Family, friends and neighbours enjoyed his many delicious meals – always accompanied by music, story-telling and lively conversation. A healthy obsession with butter tarts was well known among Ken’s friends. Regular day trips and weekend getaways with Mary normally included a skillful hunt for the best butter tarts along the way. Fortunately he balanced this obsession with a relentless commitment to his daily routine of working out at the “Y” for many, many years! He is fondly remembered by his extended family there.

Ken always kept his love of the beach near and dear. Trips to Mexico and British Columbia were always a source of renewal, excitement and adventure. Memories of camping trips, bike rides, hikes are numerous and treasured.

Ken’s family has been comforted by the many kind words playing tribute to his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer over the last 18 months. Words of appreciation and love to all extended family in California, The Y, Blessed Sacrament parish community, Princess Margaret Hospital and all the friends and neighbours who gave both he and his family, much care and support.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Esther Origel Hartley, two daughters Selina MacDonald and Vanessa Hartley, son in laws, Scott MacDonald and Jason Friesen who are father's to Ken's grandchildren Taylor and Zack and Elize and Dax respectively.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Princess Margaret Hospital.

“And when the night is cloudy

There is still a light that shines on me

Shine on until tomorrow, let it be

I wake up to the sound of music

Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be”… The Beatles