Obituary

Kenneth "Ken" Shelbourn passed away at home on November 16th, the day after his 74th birthday (November 15th, 1951-November 16th 2025). He was the beloved husband of Carol (née Higgins), father of Matthew and Michael, Father-in-Law of Amanda Gonsalves, and grandfather of Oliver, Serena, and Cassandra. He is predeceased by his parents, Josiah Shelbourn and Freda Shelbourn (née Millward), and his sisters Ruth Thompson and Joyce Bayko. He was also a beloved cousin, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle, and loved by many as a friend, colleague, and mentor.

Ken was a proud member of the Scouts Canada for much of his life, dedicating countless hours to supporting the social development of Canada's youths, first with the 7th Toronto Scouting group and later with the 101st Toronto Scouting group. Ken worked with every level of Scouts, from the Beavers to the Rovers in his time in Scouting. Ken was recognized with the Medal for Long Service, countless Certificates of Commendation, the Medal for Good Service, the Medal of Merit, the Bar to the Medal of Merit, and the Centennial Medal for his dedicated service to Scouting and Scouting youth.

Ken was passionate about history, particularly Canadian history, and was the proud son of a First World War Veteran (Josiah Shelbourn) and son-in-law of a Second World War Veteran (John Higgins). When traveling on vacation he would often take the time to visit museums, and when reading he often spent his time on works about Canada and the Great War or the Second World War. He passed his love of history on to his sons.

Ken was a respected member of the Insulating Glass/ Window and Door community. He was a consummate professional, and was a recognized and well regarded in his field, working at Tremco, TruSeal, Canbest, and Element.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Vimy Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

 

For those unable to attend the Funeral Service, it can be viewed via livestream here

 

Visitation

Date
December 07, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
December 07, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette
Time
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Service

Date
December 08, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette
Time
11:00 AM

Cremation

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December 08, 2025
Mike O’Shea
All the speakers were very informative and very spoke well (good job by the dom‘s)I’m very proud to have known Ken and call him a friend. Overall a very powerful representation of a life well lived. Kenny was the embodiment of a good father and husband. I’m very sorry for your loss. Carol Michael and Matthew rip in your crease Kenny.
December 08, 2025
Rick Stewart
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Ken Shelbourn. I knew Ken from the neighborhood he lived in. I recall him playing ball hockey in St. Anthony's school yard and playing with OPA. I would run into him often on my way up to Tim Hortons, he would always stop for a conversation. One of the better men how made this world a better place. Thank you Ken for your friendship and may you rest in peace now my friend.
December 07, 2025
Jim and Leslie Lynch
Dear Carol, Matthew and Michael. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Ken was a loving family man and friend. We will greatly miss him! Love, Jim and Leslie