KEN BRULEY

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ken Bruley, in Newmarket, ON on June 12, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born in 1941 in Port Arthur, Ken's school years began in a one-room schoolhouse in Rossport and finished in Port Arthur with his Chartered Accounting designation, while excelling in both school and sports.

Growing up on Bay Street, Ken and friends - Bob Gervis, Cash Podlewski, Jimmy Baratta, Alvin Rissanen, Terry Cambly and the two Rays - Koski and Koivu - used Jung's corner store as their hangout. Helen Jung was a surrogate Mom to the boys and her three daughters, Diane, Sherry and Marilyn, became like their sisters. Dad cherished those days, and the "gang" stayed lifelong friends.

A gifted hockey goalie, Ken played junior hockey with the Port Arthur North Stars and Fort William Beavers. In 1960 he earned a scholarship to Michigan Tech where he learned he would be backup goalie to his roommate, Tony Esposito. He decided instead to return home to start his accounting career with F.H. Black & Co (which later became Clarkson Gordon), becoming a Chartered Accountant in 1965. That same year, he married the love of his life, Linda, they had two children, Denise and Brian, and were married 41 years, before her sudden passing in 2006.

Ken's accounting career was one of great accomplishment. In 1972, he was first transferred to the Toronto office and in 1973, was promoted to Partner, and moved to St. John's, Newfoundland as Managing Partner, where Clarkson Gordon (which eventually became Ernst & Young) had recently acquired a firm. The St. John's office had some of the best and oldest companies in Newfoundland and Ken grew the business into a successful and profitable office over the five years he was there. The time in Newfoundland was professionally but also personally transformational, and he and Linda made true, forever friends there. In 1978, Ken transferred back to Thunder Bay, and employed his formula for success, with the office becoming one of the leading profitable ones in the firm. Ken was named a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants Association, the highest award the profession can bestow on a member. He remained the Managing Partner in Thunder Bay, until his retirement in 2000.

Ken was also committed to his community. He served as President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce from 1984-1990 as well as Chairman of the United Way of Thunder Bay 1996/97. Ken was passionate about supporting small businesses and economic development for Northwestern Ontario -- working with Thunder Bay Ventures, from the early 90s, and serving as President for an extended period.

A man of great integrity and honesty, Ken was a gifted mentor, known for nurturing talent with patience, wisdom, and high standards. Friends and colleagues alike often turned to him for guidance and advice in challenging times.

Ken's greatest joy, however, came from family. He was a devoted husband to Linda, a proud father to his children, Denise (Risto Ylipahkala) and Brian (Leann), a loving and steady presence in the lives of his grandchildren (Abby, Ethan, Mia and Lucas) as well as extended family. His role as Grandpa was his most treasured one and he spent many hours offering his wisdom, financial advice, hopes and dreams to his grandchildren.

His camp at Rossport, Lake Superior, remained his favourite place in the world. It was his sanctuary and has been a gathering place for his family for generations. Whether he was captaining his boat through the islands, telling stories by the bonfire, hosting his friends and family for a spaghetti supper, or simply, in his later years, enjoying the view from his deck, Ken's true happy place was at his camp.

Ken is survived by his children, their spouses and grandchildren, his brothers Albert and Russell (Laurie), his sisters-in-law Marilyn Sutton and Vicki Thorne, numerous nieces and nephews, godchildren and many dear friends who are like family. He was predeceased by his wife Linda, his parents Angus and Grace, his mother-in-law Avril, his brother George, his sisters-in-law, Louise, Melinda, Beverley and Betsy Rogers as well as his brothers-in-law Hugh Sutton and Gary Thorne.

The family would like to thank the wonderful friends and family who reached out to our Dad over these final months. These visits and calls were the highlights of his days. He treasured you all!

Ken leaves behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and deep love for his work, his community, and most of all, his family. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

A Celebration of Ken's Life will be held Tuesday, August 12th at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Church, 123 Hilldale Road, with Funeral Mass to be celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filipinni. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. www.rmhccanada.ca/donate. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com