Obituary of Kenneth Robert Thompson

<p>KENNETH THOMPSON</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Kenneth Robert Thompson, beloved husband of Katharine (Appleby), father of Bernard (Kuniko), Cecily (Shakir) and Hope (Simone), and grandfather of Michael, Sarah, Mayuko and Hinako died on August 26, 2016 after suffering a stroke on August 24. He was 85.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Kenneth was a brilliant mind, a wonderful husband and father, a colleague and a good friend.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Born in Kingston, Ontario to Joseph and Lucy Thompson, Kenneth studied the Classics at Queens University then worked at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in Ottawa where he met Katharine. After they married in 1957, they moved to Boston where he earned his Masters degree at Harvard University. In 1959, the family, which now included Bernard, moved to Toronto where Kenneth became a professor of Classics and later, Registrar of Victoria College in the University of Toronto. The history and community of Victoria College was of great importance and interest to Kenneth and he had a rich professional life there until his retirement in 1995.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In retirement, Kenneth remained involved with the college, taking part in committee work and social events. With his wife, Katharine, he was an active member of the Church of the Redeemer. They were also regular volunteers with LOFT, an organization that supports the most vulnerable in our community. Together, they traveled extensively, including memorable trips to Sicily, Martinique and the Arctic&mdash;and to England each year to visit his family.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Kenneth also took great pride and joy in the family cottage on Tedious Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. There he had the opportunity to turn his scholarly mind to practical problems of carpentry, boat repair, plumbing, wiring, mechanics and construction, all of which he taught himself and enjoyed. Over the years, he turned a rustic cabin into a comfortable summer place with running water and solar-powered lights. Kenneth enjoyed numerous gatherings at the cottage surrounded by his family, friends and grandchildren&mdash;of whom he was especially proud. Kenneth&rsquo;s gentle kindness, keen intelligence, charm and humour will be missed by all who knew him.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 2 at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Interment to follow: Mount Pleasant Cemetery.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Condolences and memories may be forwarded through <a href="http://www.humphreymiles.com">www.humphreymiles.com</a>. Donations in lieu of flowers to LOFT Community Services in Kenneth&rsquo;s name at <a href="http://www.loftcs.org/support-loft/ways-to-give/">http://www.loftcs.org/support-loft/ways-to-give/</a>, The Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation at <a href="http://sunnybrook.ca/foundation/">http://sunnybrook.ca/foundation/</a> or to Victoria College http://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/campaign.htm.</p>