Born June 9th, 1950 to parents Ida (Giraldeau) and Hilliard Birtch, passed away peacefully April 19th, 2019 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He is survived by his loving wife Lorena Dudley, children Joshua Gavin (Lise Robillard), Ashley, and Brothers Lorne (Carole), Jim (Carol-Anne), Al Wetow, predeceased by Thomas (Debbie). Cherished grandfather of Logan and Ethan Horner. Ken enjoyed a lifelong policing career both with the OPP and City of Sudbury, with a commitment to Special Olympics, Community Policing, and was a mentor to many. Ken was a selfless man, an entrepreneur, an author, and the jack-of-all-trades. Ken loved to travel and drove many a highway around the world with camera in hand. Ken was a passionate gourmet cook, enjoyed boating & fishing, loved his pets, cars and spending time at his Manitoulin Island cottage.
The family wishes to extend thanks and gratitude to Jean and Jason of Complete Healthcare Solutions for their remarkable care and assistance over the last two years, the EMS transportation heroes, and GSPS family for their ongoing support and understanding. A living wake service took place in October “Out of the Box” where Ken got to say goodbye his way. Anyone wanting to, can make a donation to Monarch Recovery Services of Sudbury.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Ken’s passing. I knew Ken professionally when he was a police officer with the Greater Sudbury Police Service but I got to know him better when he worked at the Courthouse as Court officer. I am a Justice of the Peace and I would meet him in the corridors and more so in the Intake court office. He always presented himself respectfully but overwhelmingly with a huge smile and a positive attitude. Positivity breeds positivity and though I can’t speak for my colleagues I can say that when he left the office after we conducted court business I felt better. When he mentioned his community policing initiatives and his mentoring of others he did so with pride and knowing his attention to detail, I am confident that those he mentored were all the better for it. I would say that Ken was a consummate professional and I am confident that he left this world having impacted many in a positive way.
My sincerest condolences to his wife, children and extended family.
Kindest regards.
April 27, 2019
We will remember Ken as a man of impeccable taste, great humour, and a true joy in living life to the fullest. Our condolances to you Lorena!
April 26, 2019
My deepest sympathies to Lorena and family. Ken was a most giving person and will certainly leave a big hole in many peoples lives. However, he also leaves behind a wonderful legacy of giving and caring. There is another bright shining star in our Heavens now guiding us all on how to be a better person. God Speed Ken…….
April 23, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to Lorena and family. What great memories we have from years gone by …boating in the summer, our annual New Year’s Eve get together and the many laughs we had while sharing a great meal .. all good times. Ken will forever be in our hearts .. RIP my friend … till we meet again.
April 22, 2019
Respect and recognition for a much admired man, and my sincere condolences to Lorena and family.
April 22, 2019