Christine Diaz and Ken bonded over Canadian history

There is a shortcut to Martha and Jim’s back yard from mine. When Ken stayed with Martha and Jim here in Peterborough, that path was very well used. We shared many meals and had lively and interesting discussions about politics and history – especially Cancon – around the dinner table and in the screened porch. 

Ken was a man of both ideas and action, politically, philanthropically and in education. He and some of his teaching colleagues determined that Canadian history was not sufficiently covered in high schools, so they  produced and published resource materials for teachers. As a Canadian studies graduate and enthusiast, I appreciate that. Copies of the teaching materials now reside in the library of the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies at Trent University. 

Ken was also interested in flowers and canoeing, wilderness and books. We talked about


all of that. When he returned a book to me, he would sometimes say “I read every word”. Ken was interested in people and their stories.

I was always impressed with the love, the care and the interest he had for his own family and how they also cared for him. Rest in peace, Ken Tancock. The world is more equitable because of you. My condolences to his children and those who knewhim.   

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