MacKERACHER, Kenneth "Ken" Young - This delightful human, socially concerned, generous, sometimes irreverent, lifelong learning advocate, died peacefully in Toronto, on October 5, 2021, at age 89.
Ken, predeceased by father Kenneth and mother Adelaide Edith Young, was so proud of the achievements of his three children Mary, David, and Gordon and, as Poppa, will be greatly missed by his granddaughters Anastasia and Zoe, a clutch of extremely talented cousins, dear friends and former colleagues.
Ken relished his multicultural heritage that included exuberant French-Canadian (de Lanaudiere) as well as determined Scots.
Graduating from Strathcona Academy and Sir George Williams University (Concordia) in Montreal, where he initiated winter carnivals and was graduating class president ('54), Ken worked with youth and young adults as a camp director and branch executive with YMCAs in Montreal, St. Catherine's, Halifax, Toronto and at YMCA Canada's national headquarters. Completing an M.Ed. (adult education) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, he later held senior administrative positions with Humber College, Ryerson University, B.C. Institute of Technology, Conestoga College, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Active with progressive causes and relevant professional associations, Ken was awarded the Canadian Association for Adult Education's Roby Kidd Medal for his innovative contributions to adult learning and community outreach.
In retirement, he served as a Unitarian lay chaplain and actively participated in the Out of the Cold program.
Cremation has already taken place. A celebratory event will be announced once COVID restrictions permit greater freedom of movement and gatherings in larger groups, when bright clothing is encouraged and a touch of the colour orange appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Out of the Cold, or the YMCA, would be a fitting tribute to Ken's life and values.
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