Obituary of Kenrick Eyre

It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful but sudden passing of Ken Eyre at the age of 92 after a brief admission at Markham-Stouffville Hospital.

Ken was born in Georgetown, British Guiana (Guyana). He is predeceased by his parents Anna Beatrice (Layne) and Donald Oscar Patrick, his brothers Basil and John, and his first wife Molly Claire (Choy).

He is survived by sister, Cicely McWatt (Errol), spouse Ruth and children from his first marriage. A loving and caring father, he will be greatly missed by his children Lauren (Chris), Phillip (Tatiana), Kathryn and Ken (Debra).

He was a much loved and special grandfather to Chadwick (Susan), Lee, Harrison (Safiya), Matthew, Katerina (Jérôme), Mikhael (Brittany), Calaigh (Alcindo), Natasha (Ryan), Zachary and Christopher and to his great grandchildren Daniel, Hudson, Anastasia and Hayden.

Ken, with his older brother Basil, entered Queen’s College in September 1942 as winners of the Government County Scholarship from Smith Church Congregational School. He was successful at the 1942 School Certificate Exam and in 1947 qualified for Exemption from the London Matriculation on the basis of the results. Both of them were successful two years later in 1949 at the Higher School Certificate. Ken earned a scholarship to London University and graduated as a pharmacist in 1955. He served as the Chief Government Pharmacist in British Guiana from 1956 to 1963. The family moved to Toronto, Canada in 1963 then to Ottawa, Ontario in 1967. Throughout his career, Ken was a dedicated pharmacist. He opened several pharmacies, notably Blackburn Drug Mart (now a Shoppers Drug Mart). Known for his warm and caring nature, he built strong relationships with his customers and gave valuable advice to countless others.  An avid golfer, he built and operated a driving range in Clarence, Ontario.  Upon retirement, he moved to Florida but often spent the summers at his driving range surrounded by his children and grandchildren. In his final years he lived for a while in Port Charlotte, Florida and then returned to Canada to reside with family members until finally moving to a retirement home.

He loved investing in the stock market and real estate. He tried a few ventures, including owning a nursery, building several houses and a driving range and attempting to develop a golf course. He liked to travel and to dine at buffets, until health issues forced him to cut back.

He was a responsible and generous provider to his family. He always had fun with his grandchildren, who have fond memories of their times with him. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

We give thanks to God for Ken’s life and for providing him with a good loving family. He is now at peace with the Lord in heaven. May his soul rest in peace! With our love, we wish him “Memory Eternal!”.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Cole Funeral Services & Pinecrest Remembrance, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa on Thursday November 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 at the chapel. Interment to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery and then a time of fellowship and refresments in the Pinecrest Solarium.  

Livestream link to the Funeral Service