Kenneth Tilson

Kenneth Robert Tilson, age 79 years, passed away peacefully in Pioneer Ridge on Saturday, March 31, 2012 surrounded by his family. Ken was born in Port Arthur on August 16, 1932 to Walter and Florrie Tilson. Ken lived a full and very satisfying life. At the age of 16 he left school to work in various jobs, including a position at Provincial Paper. It was there that he met Lorna Maki and the two were married on November 12, 1955. A month after his 21st birthday, he was accepted as a city constable with the Port Arthur Police Department. Ken spent 12 years on the force with four of those years as a detective in the investigative branch. With encouragement from Lorna, Ken decided to go back to school and enrolled in night classes, obtaining his grade 12 and qualification for university. Ken began his studies at Simon Fraser University and obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Manitoba. He completed the Bar Admission Course at Osgoode Hall and was formally Called to the Bar in 1973. Ken practiced law with various firms in Thunder Bay until his "retirement" in 1985. At that time, Ken continued in his role as Chairman of the Mental Health Review Board, a position he thoroughly enjoyed. A community minded man, he was passionate about his politics and stood firm in his beliefs. During his time as Alderman for the Current River Ward, he worked hard not only for his own ward but for what was best for the entire city. Ken enjoyed reading, computers, jogging, RV camping with the Thunder Bay Rovers, spaghetti suppers at the Italian Hall and time at the 55 Plus Centre. During their 56 year marriage, Ken and Lorna travelled to many places including Florida, Hawaii, Grand Cayman, Portugal and California. Ken's family was very important to him and he never missed a grandson's hockey game or one of Alyson's dance recitals. Ken will be sadly missed by his wife Lorna, daughters Tracey (Terry) Hill and Susan Tilson; son Rob (Sharon) Tilson; grandchildren: Alyson and Taylor Hill, Zachary and Curtis Tilson and Kenny, Jacob and Tommy Tilson; brother Ray Tilson (Lively, Ontario), sister-in-law Judy Maki (Bob) and brother-in-law Rodney Maki. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters-in-law Eadie Maki and Gail Tilson. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul's United Church, Waverley Street, with Rev. Susan Ivany of Westminster United Church presiding. Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 4th from 6-8 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Thunder Bay would be greatly appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com"