Kenneth Loader

June 19, 1928 – November 25, 2024

With great sadness we announce that, Kenneth James Loader, age 96, of Hanover passed away on November 25, 2024.  He was born on June 19, 1928, and raised in the Northern Ontario Township of Larder Lake, the son of the late James and Flora Loader. He is predeceased by his wife, of 70 years, Rheta Lillian Loader. Ken is survived by his children, Barbara Farrar (Stephen) of Toronto, and Norman Loader (Anita Lanning) of Mississauga, by four grandchildren, Christine Marchetti (Bryan) of Toronto, Michael Bahrey (Lisa) of Fort Erie, Lisa-Marie Bahrey (Nadia Brabant) of Toronto, and Harrison Gemmiti (Robert) of Bolton, by four great grandchildren, Charlotte, Olivia, and William Marchetti, and Sammy Bahrey, and by cherished lifelong friends and family Don Sears (Jane Murdock).  Papa Ken to Brittany, Dylan, and Tyler.

At 13 years old, Ken started working on the diamond drill at the mine in the Township of Kirkland Lake. Much later Ken worked for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for many years, as a Parts man/Shipper Receiver from which he retired at the age of 65.

Ken married Rheta (“His Girl”), the love of his life, on February 3, 1951. Ken and Rheta raised their children in the Etobicoke neighbourhood of Rexdale, in a home that faced the park and had an outdoor rink.  During the winters, Barb recalls her beloved father skating with Norm and skating Barb (“his little girl”) in his arms around the rink.  In their golden years, Ken and Rheta left Toronto, relocating to Hanover to pursue their various passions, including gardening, camping, and meeting with friends at the local Legion for a hand of euchre.

The family of Ken wishes to send a special thank you to all of the staff at the Village Retirement Residence and Long-Term Care, for not only the compassionate, dedicated care of Ken, but also the comfort they provided him in his final days. The family wishes to express their special gratitude to Pastor Diane, who prayed for Ken, as well as soothed him by singing to him his favourite songs (“Green Green Grass of Home”).

Holding your hand for the last time was the second most difficult thing I have ever had to do.  Letting go of your hand for the last time was the first.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ken and Rheta in the spring of 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.