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KENNETH SELBY Obituary
Ken, a P. Eng., was an accomplished scholar, holding a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. He dedicated his career to education as a professor at the University of Toronto, where he fulfilled his passion for teaching and mentoring young minds. In the '80's when student employment was hard to find, he formed ""Ken Selby and Associates,"" providing students with construction opportunities in Muskoka. After retiring, but always needing to be active, he enjoyed pursuing a second career in arbitrating and mediating disputes for construction projects.
Ken had a lifelong passion for and excelled in many sports, including swimming, football, hockey, downhill skiing, and tennis, among others. He coached numerous youth sports, particularly hockey and supported his children and grandchildren in their various activities. In the '60s, he built his family a tennis court at the cottage, and later in his life, you could often find him on the tennis courts at the Toronto Cricket Club, participating in many leagues, well into his 80s.
He enjoyed following news, politics, and world affairs, and was a particular champion of woman and girls in all their pursuits. His last summer was spent in Muskoka, surrounded by loved ones, marking 90 consecutive summers spent in his happy place, where he has created a wonderful family legacy. Ken's kindness, intellect, enduring love for his family, and support of his friends will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.
On Friday September 20, 2024, a interment service will take place at 1 p.m. at Park Lawn Cemetery, followed by a Life Celebration drop in at the Old Mill 2-4 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH SELBY
16 Entries
Deb Northmore
October 1, 2024
As a Browning Island neighbour for many years, Ken Selby was a fixture! Always willing to help my parents (George and Prue Stephen) when island living got complicated. Ken offered his expertise and practical hand with their cottage renovations and he would be consulted whenever there was a challenging question. I was happy to hear that he achieved 90 consecutive Muskoka summers. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Anne and family.
Anne Sheehan
September 24, 2024
Sorry i missed the celebration
My sincere sympathy
Anne Sheehan 711
Brent McGaw
September 20, 2024
Dear Selby Family. I just learned this evening of Ken's passing. I'm very sorry for your loss. Ken played a huge role in my life. I don't recall who introduced us but I was an Industrial Engineering student looking for a job. My luck landed me at Ken's door and I was one of "the Associates" living at your lovely cottage and building docks, boathouses, and cottages for all Ken (& Anne's) lake friends, of which there were many. I learned so much from Ken and his team. I recall one crazy project we did to turn a boathouse 90 degrees! It was a challenge..... and Ken loved that. He dove right in with us and he could hold his breath forever as we built the underwater structure! He was as strong as an ox too. I will remember him with great memories and fondness. He lived a full life and was a blessing to all. God bless you Ken. RIP
John D. Huffnagle
September 6, 2024
Meeting Ken and Anne Selby at the University of Illinois (in a German class) generated a life long friendship despite distance, an international boundry and distinct professional lives. Our families have grown and have been assimilated into that friendship. Each visit especially to Muskoka, has been an adventure lead by Ken and Anne.
We are deeply saddened by the death of Ken, a man who led a meaningful life.
Sincere condolences to Anne and the Selby family. Jack,Madeline,Karen, William,Richard,and Mark Huffnagle
Susan Kikkert
September 5, 2024
My partner, Richard Huffnagle, works as a construction foreman. Ken was the first `get after it´ building minds that he met and continues to reference Ken to this day. I had the great fortune to meet Ken along with the Selbys a few golden times through the years, moments to treasure. Ken was observing, inquisitive and had a great funny bone. If something went wrong, he got us all figuring out a fix. Together. We need more of this. He was a pleasure to share a gin and tonic with, on the front porch, at the lake.
Brenda McCabe
September 1, 2024
I have warm memories of Prof. Selby as being a wonderful mentor, pragmatic doer, and dedicated teacher. He opened several doors for me through my career, for which I am eternally grateful. Thank you and rest in peace.
My condolences to Anne and the family.
Ann Shaw
August 31, 2024
Our memory of Ken skiing straight down slopes with few turns will always remind us of a wonderful man
Our deepest sympathy to Anne and family
Bob and Ann Shaw
Gayle Wilmot
August 30, 2024
As a friend of Pam's, I witnessed the beautiful love with which Ken and Anne surrounded their family when they needed it so much. Together they were so caring for their own children, their grandchildren, and all of their friends. Such happy memories of the Selby clan. Sending my love to you at this sad time.
Amanda Darwood
August 27, 2024
My sincere condolences to you Anne, Janet, Tom, Don and family. I have many fond memories of "Mr. Selby" and his wit at the cottage and Cecil St. Thinking of you all.
Tiina and John Timusk
August 26, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Anne and the family
Monda Rosenberg and Mike O'Neail
August 26, 2024
We have wonderful memories of spending time with you both at your beautiful family compound in Lake Muskoka as well as long dinners filled with engaging Selby stories and at the Cricket Club. These memories we will always cherish.
Laraine & Joe Sipos
August 25, 2024
Joe and I are very sorry to hear about Kens passing.
Sending our condolences to you Anne and to the entire family.
Laraine & Joe Sipos
Jane Seed
August 22, 2024
Dear Anne
I was very sorry to hear about Ken's death. I always enjoyed meeting you both at the Cricket Club where we had many mutual friends. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sema and Larry
August 22, 2024
Dear Anne and family,
We are saddened to hear the news of Ken´s passing. He was such a brilliant and engaging man! I know that all those memories will give you peace at this time! Our thoughts are with you!
Larry & Sema
Cathie & Joe Mahoney
August 21, 2024
Anne and family, we are so sorry to learn of Ken's death. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Cathie & Joe Mahoney
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