Obituary of Kenneth Robert McLaren

McLaren – Kenneth Robert “Ken”

Life long Rutherglen resident Ken McLaren died peacefully at Cassellholme, North Bay, on Tuesday April 17, 2018, at the age of 90 years.  Son of the late Arthur and Hazel McLaren, he was the beloved and devoted husband of Alice (nee Smith), who predeceased him in 2012.  The dear father of Sharon Gagne (Ben), Kenny Jr. (Clara), and Randall (Cindy), all of Rutherglen, he held a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren Melanie, Derek, Robert, Roger, and Travis, and his many great grandchildren.  Ken will also be sadly missed by his sister Elsie Anderson (late Bill).  He was predeceased by his brother Roy (late Eva), and sister Olive Graham (late Cliff).  Born and raised in Rutherglen, Ken was a life long farmer. He started farming at a young age and farmed for the next 80 years. Like many of his generation who farmed, he also held a full time job, working for the CPR for over 30 years.  A hard working man of many talents he built homes for his family, and all of his children. An accomplishment that he was very proud of.   His declining health and onset of Alzheimer’s disease necessitated his move from his farm into care at Cassellhome.  Friends may call at Martyn Funeral Home on Friday afternoon and evening from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9pm.  Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held in the funeral home chapel Saturday April 21 at 11:00am with Rev. David Shields officiating.  Spring interment will take place in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Rutherglen.  Donations to the Mattawa hospital, or Cassellholme, will be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy.