Obituary of Kenneth Israel

ISRAEL, Kenneth James ~ 1927 – 2016 ~ Ken passed away peacefully in his 90th year, at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Beloved husband of Marion (Goodwin) for 63 years. Loving father of Alan Israel (Susan Woodruff), Sandra Kendall (John), Barbara Israel (Albert Loberg) and Carole Reeves (Terrence). He will be sadly missed by his ten grandchildren Emily (Gordon Kennedy), Evan and Eric Israel; Heather (Scott Weber), Laura (Scott Van Doormaal) and Ian Kendall; Christine and Robert Loberg; Jack and Thomas Reeves; and his great-grandchild Bennett Weber. Survived by his brother Walter and his sisters-in-law Connie (George) and Barbara (Lorne). Predeceased by his parents Harold Israel and Sarah Jane (Letson); brothers Raymond (Margaret), George and Lorne. Ken was a Bell employee for 41 years and a full-time farmer after retirement. He was a faithful member of West Montrose United Church and served on many committees during his lifetime. Ken was a member of Woolwich Council for 21 years and Deputy Reeve before Regional Government. Ken was also a member of the Upper Canada Two Cylinder Club and served on the board of the UCTCC for three years. He owned and showed his antique threshing machine and his restored antique tractors at many farm events, including International Plowing Matches. Ken was also a member of several Square Dance Clubs, an avid Bridge player, a member of the Bell Pioneers and a driver of the Kiwanis bus. Ken leaves behind many wonderful friends. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive their relatives and friends for visitation on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. In memory of Ken, donations to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre of Grand River Hospital would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Stephenson, Dr. Bonnie McCarron, and the palliative team from CCAC and Care Partners for their compassionate care. Appreciation is also extended to the staff of Heritage River. Service Summary Memorial Visitation: Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home ~ Memorial Service: Friday, July 22, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with a reception to follow ~ Donations: Canadian Foodgrains Bank (P.O. Box 767, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4 or www.foodgrainsbank.ca) or the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre of Grand River Hospital (835 King St. W., Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3, 519-749-4370 or www.grhf.org)