Obituary for Kenneth Archer Humphries
Humphries, Kenneth Archer—It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Humphries at Campbellford Memorial Hospital on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in his 92nd year with his devoted wife Mona, daughters Denise & Sharlene by his side.
Son of the late Walter Humphries (1939) and the late H. Bernice Humphries (1979). Beloved husband of Mona, dear brother of late Pauline O-Dell (late Grant) and the late Shirley Humphries. Brother-in-law of late Marilyn Hutchinson (late Gerald), Joan Grills (late Lorne), Hayden Taylor (Bonnie), late Linda Grills (late Bob), Betty McIntosh (Ivan) and Grant Taylor (Terry). Cherished father of Elaine Milne (John), Denise Humphries (Jose Luis), Sharlene Menzies (Tom) and grandfather to Melissa, Dustin, Connor, Isabella and Kolton. Deeply missed by many nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, colleagues and friends.
From humble beginnings, Ken began his life journey January 24th, 1933 as a 4th Generation Humphries inhabitant on the Humphries land originally established 1823. At six years of age, Ken endured the loss of his father which affected many of decisions in his life from an early age. He attended primary school at Fife School, developing life-long friendships. After Grade 8, Ken set out to support his family and developed a long-standing life of custom work and sales (34 years with King Grain, Pride Seeds and 6 years with General Seeds) in addition to his own beef / cash crop farm.
He lived and died by the creed of a farmer, believing “hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person’s character and that despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honourable way a man can spend his days on this earth.” Ken was from a day when a handshake meant something and never bowed down to anyone if he felt his beliefs were honest and just!
Ken was a progressive thinker. He could “MacGyver” any piece of equipment and of course from depression era days, always had some part/piece near by! Ken never judged, it didn’t matter how much money you had, how educated you were, the colour of your skin, or the language you spoke, everyone was treated the same and welcomed into his home. He believed actions speak louder than words and put this into play through his many acts of servitude as a member of the Hastings Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. #633 (1987) currently Percy Lodge, A.F. & A. M. #161. He was a life-long member & served as elder of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Hastings. He was proud to serve as Councillor and Deputy Reeve of Asphodel Township. He
served as a director for the Peterborough County Plowman’s Association (1984-2012), later becoming an Honorary Director to present.
Hockey was another passion for Ken. He played in many leagues and tournaments throughout his life (General Wire and Cable, Cobourg, East Peterborough League, Hastings, Westwood and Otonabee Oldtimers). Memorable experiences as a goalie were playing with his nephews, the Hutchinson Brothers and for Team Canada Oldtimers in Finland in 1981.
Mostly, Ken will be remembered as a man with a heart larger than life. Kindness oozed though his body and was evident to the end of his days. Always thanking others around him for the simplest of daily tasks. He will ever be remembered for the love of family, the farm, and all animals.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brett Funeral Chapels – Hastings.
A private interment at Trent Valley Cemetery.
A Celebration of life for Ken and his son-in-law, Tom Menzies will be held at the Hastings Civic Centre, on Thursday May 16, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm with words of honour at 2:00 pm.
In memory of Ken, donations may be made to the Peterborough Humane Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Hospice Norwood would be appreciated by family. Online condolences may be made at www.brettfuneralchapels.com.
Son of the late Walter Humphries (1939) and the late H. Bernice Humphries (1979). Beloved husband of Mona, dear brother of late Pauline O-Dell (late Grant) and the late Shirley Humphries. Brother-in-law of late Marilyn Hutchinson (late Gerald), Joan Grills (late Lorne), Hayden Taylor (Bonnie), late Linda Grills (late Bob), Betty McIntosh (Ivan) and Grant Taylor (Terry). Cherished father of Elaine Milne (John), Denise Humphries (Jose Luis), Sharlene Menzies (Tom) and grandfather to Melissa, Dustin, Connor, Isabella and Kolton. Deeply missed by many nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, colleagues and friends.
From humble beginnings, Ken began his life journey January 24th, 1933 as a 4th Generation Humphries inhabitant on the Humphries land originally established 1823. At six years of age, Ken endured the loss of his father which affected many of decisions in his life from an early age. He attended primary school at Fife School, developing life-long friendships. After Grade 8, Ken set out to support his family and developed a long-standing life of custom work and sales (34 years with King Grain, Pride Seeds and 6 years with General Seeds) in addition to his own beef / cash crop farm.
He lived and died by the creed of a farmer, believing “hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person’s character and that despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honourable way a man can spend his days on this earth.” Ken was from a day when a handshake meant something and never bowed down to anyone if he felt his beliefs were honest and just!
Ken was a progressive thinker. He could “MacGyver” any piece of equipment and of course from depression era days, always had some part/piece near by! Ken never judged, it didn’t matter how much money you had, how educated you were, the colour of your skin, or the language you spoke, everyone was treated the same and welcomed into his home. He believed actions speak louder than words and put this into play through his many acts of servitude as a member of the Hastings Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. #633 (1987) currently Percy Lodge, A.F. & A. M. #161. He was a life-long member & served as elder of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Hastings. He was proud to serve as Councillor and Deputy Reeve of Asphodel Township. He
served as a director for the Peterborough County Plowman’s Association (1984-2012), later becoming an Honorary Director to present.
Hockey was another passion for Ken. He played in many leagues and tournaments throughout his life (General Wire and Cable, Cobourg, East Peterborough League, Hastings, Westwood and Otonabee Oldtimers). Memorable experiences as a goalie were playing with his nephews, the Hutchinson Brothers and for Team Canada Oldtimers in Finland in 1981.
Mostly, Ken will be remembered as a man with a heart larger than life. Kindness oozed though his body and was evident to the end of his days. Always thanking others around him for the simplest of daily tasks. He will ever be remembered for the love of family, the farm, and all animals.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brett Funeral Chapels – Hastings.
A private interment at Trent Valley Cemetery.
A Celebration of life for Ken and his son-in-law, Tom Menzies will be held at the Hastings Civic Centre, on Thursday May 16, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm with words of honour at 2:00 pm.
In memory of Ken, donations may be made to the Peterborough Humane Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Hospice Norwood would be appreciated by family. Online condolences may be made at www.brettfuneralchapels.com.