Words that inspired Ken


Ken was a socialist and founding member of the New Democratic Party in 1961. He worked doggedly in every election to bring out the vote. It was always a hard slog. Ken gained courage from a verse by 19th-century Irish writer Thomas Moore that Tommy Douglas often cited: 

I am hurt but I am not slain.

I'll lay me down and bleed awhile

Then I'll rise and fight again.


Ken memorized NDP leader Jack Layton's last words:

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.


Before dinner at family gatherings, Ken intoned this grace:

For food in a world where many are hungry,

For friends and family in a world where many are alone,

Now we give thanks.


For the past couple of years whenever visitors took their leave, Ken wished them not farewell but 

Fare Well

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