Obituary for Kenneth Jerome "Ken" Beselaere
Passed away, peacefully at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital with his loving wife Carole and family by his side, on Monday, December 2nd, 2019, after a courageous struggle with C.O.P.D., Ken Beselaere, a resident of Tillsonburg and, formerly of Courtland, in his 84th year. Born in Tilbury, Ontario, son of the late Richard (Dick) Beselaere and the late former Katherine (Abbott) Beselaere.
Survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Carole (Phelps) Beselaere. Loved and loving father of Jill Locke, Mississauga; Marshall (Lorraine) Beselaere, Brampton; Warren Beselaere, Tillsonburg; Kelly Beselaere, Tillsonburg. Proud and loving grandfather of Colin, Christian, Kendall, Hillary, Madeline, Evan, Spencer, Jayden and proud great-grandfather of Daxtin, Lucas and Leighton. Survived by brother Patrick (Rick) and his wife Jannette (Jan) and sister Joy (late Allen) Minor. Predeceased by sister Donna (Paul) Donais, brother Douglas Beselaere and sister June Kapler (2017).
Ken had a strong work ethic. He left school at age 16, ventured away from the small town of Tilbury, Ontario, to the big city of Toronto, began his working life in the grocery business and never left it, working in sales in Windsor and London and eventually buying his own small grocery store in Courtland in 1967 which he and Carole operated for 25 years. He was happy to work 7 days a week, enjoying his customers, always wanting to give them good value and cherishing the friends he made along the way. Not at all interested in retiring he sold horse radish and later dog treats from his van until he was 75, only stopping when his health would no longer permit it. Ken had a passion for cars, Hudson’s in particular. They came and went in various states of repair but a 49 Hudson Brougham stayed for 30 years and was lovingly and proudly driven at his daughters and granddaughters weddings.
In keeping with Ken’s expressed wishes, cremation has taken place. An Open House-Celebration of Ken’s life will take place on January 5th, 2020 from 1 -4 p.m. at the Courtland Community Center.
In memory of Ken, the family would gratefully appreciate memorial donations to the “Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation” by cheque or online through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc., 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-4238) entrusted with all funeral arrangements.
Survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Carole (Phelps) Beselaere. Loved and loving father of Jill Locke, Mississauga; Marshall (Lorraine) Beselaere, Brampton; Warren Beselaere, Tillsonburg; Kelly Beselaere, Tillsonburg. Proud and loving grandfather of Colin, Christian, Kendall, Hillary, Madeline, Evan, Spencer, Jayden and proud great-grandfather of Daxtin, Lucas and Leighton. Survived by brother Patrick (Rick) and his wife Jannette (Jan) and sister Joy (late Allen) Minor. Predeceased by sister Donna (Paul) Donais, brother Douglas Beselaere and sister June Kapler (2017).
Ken had a strong work ethic. He left school at age 16, ventured away from the small town of Tilbury, Ontario, to the big city of Toronto, began his working life in the grocery business and never left it, working in sales in Windsor and London and eventually buying his own small grocery store in Courtland in 1967 which he and Carole operated for 25 years. He was happy to work 7 days a week, enjoying his customers, always wanting to give them good value and cherishing the friends he made along the way. Not at all interested in retiring he sold horse radish and later dog treats from his van until he was 75, only stopping when his health would no longer permit it. Ken had a passion for cars, Hudson’s in particular. They came and went in various states of repair but a 49 Hudson Brougham stayed for 30 years and was lovingly and proudly driven at his daughters and granddaughters weddings.
In keeping with Ken’s expressed wishes, cremation has taken place. An Open House-Celebration of Ken’s life will take place on January 5th, 2020 from 1 -4 p.m. at the Courtland Community Center.
In memory of Ken, the family would gratefully appreciate memorial donations to the “Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation” by cheque or online through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc., 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-4238) entrusted with all funeral arrangements.