After a lengthy period of illness, it is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Siciliano at 87 years of age. Ken was born to Ralph and Theresa Siciliano, (Campagnano), and was raised in the “East End.”
Ken was an athlete his entire life; starting in his youth with boxing, baseball, hockey, basketball, and football. Into his twenties Ken was a regular participant at the YMCA where he ran in the 100 Mile Club, played handball, racquetball, and swam. Ken joined the “bubble” at Confederation College in 1984, where he continued his almost daily exercise routines well into his mid 80’s.
Working part-time jobs in his youth, included delivering paint on his bicycle, setting bowling pins, and working on the pop delivery truck. At 17 years-of-age, and following his sister Doreen, Ken was hired for a full-time job at Dow’s Auto Electric. Ken worked at Dow’s for the next 33 years travelling throughout Thunder Bay, and numerous towns throughout the northwest. Ken was well-known for stocking service stations, mines, paper-mills, and automobile dealerships. Ken moved into selling real-estate in the mid-1980’s, where he enjoyed remarkable success helping many people with purchasing and / or selling their homes.
Ken joined the employment of St. Joseph’s Care Group in 1992, as an Addiction Counsellor. A natural helper and therapist, Ken assisted hundreds of people in individual and group counselling. After Ken retired from the counselling profession, he continued his volunteer work with A.A., the Balmoral Withdrawal Management Centre, and the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre. He did this volunteer work well into his mid-eighties.
At 15 years-old while delivering paint on his bicycle, Ken was spotted by Beverly Flanagan. During the next six years, they dated, became engaged, and then married on June 27, 1957. Their first born was Susan Elizabeth, then came Bruce, then came Raymond, and then came Kenny Paul Jr. Ken and Bev moved their young family out of the East End, to River Avenue, and then to Donald Street, where they have been for the past 58 years. The family home had an in-ground-swimming pool, which became an attraction for extended family and friends for all manner of gatherings and parties.
Always a person to focus on the positive, Ken lived a life underpinned by tremendous humour, humility, and gratitude. A beacon of optimism until the very end, during his last day of life Ken entertained twenty-one visitors from his hospital bed with nostalgic stories that involved each person. Each story was punctuated with how special each person was, and how he held them dearly in his heart.
Ken was predeceased by his children Susan Elizabeth, Kenny Paul Jr., his parents Ralph and Theresa Siciliano, and sister and brother-in-law Doreen and Jim Mauro. Ken is survived by his wife of 65 years Beverly, his son Bruce, (Anne), and their children Shannon and Brady, (Alexis). Ken is also survived by his son Raymond, (Helen), and grandson Davin Seagris. Additionally, Ken is survived by his brother Ronald Siciliano, (Mary), sister Barbara Van Hatten, (Tom), sister Donna Chong, (Allan), numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who have become family.
Ken and his family wish to thank Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, and the physicians / nursing staff of 2A for their incredible care. As well, the family wishes to thank our extended family and friends for their rides, food, flowers, and expressions of love and support.
According to Ken’s wishes cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a near-future date.
