Kenneth Mindszenty Morgan

Ken Morgan lived a full life of adventure and travel. He lived life on his own terms and on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 he left this world the same way he lived it. Surrounded by family, Ken went “to the next adventure” with peace and dignity.

To many in the community Ken was known as the “produce guy,” the Irishman with the silky baritone voice. He could turn on the charm, which ensured he was sought after for a quick and witty conversation, or on occasion a salty chat, as well as a consultation on in-season fair.

Before he came to St. Thomas, Canada, Ken had experienced the world. Born and raised in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland, he was the 12th of 14 children and lived his formative years on McSwiney Street. At 22 years of age, having completed his training as an electrician in P.J. Carroll's Dundalk, he left Ireland for opportunities in Johannesburg, South Africa. Never one to miss an opportunity, he took advantage of his chance to explore the continent of Africa, even hitchhiking his way from Cape Town to Cairo. He spent nearly two decades working in SA and traveling before returning to Ireland. Restlessness and curiosity lead him to seek out new adventures in Canada. He came to visit his brothers in St. Thomas and decided to stay and explore potential opportunities. And he found them.

First, Ken found employment at E.C.M. Controls with his brother, Fra (Frank) Morgan, and stayed there for a number of years before retiring from his work as an electrician. More profoundly, he found the love of his life Leslie Hillier and her daughter Meghan. By his own admission, meeting Leslie was the anchor that he needed in life. They married and welcomed their daughter Claire into their family. The newly expanded family moved to Dundalk, Ireland for a few years and eventually returned to St. Thomas to well and truly settle.

Back in St. Thomas Ken focused much of his attention on his passions: creating beautiful and elaborate stained glass pieces, baking (apple pie and sour dough bread were his specialties), gardening and reading (especially history). He would happily engage in discussions of history and politics, often challenging conventional thinking. Rarely was there a subject in which he was not well versed.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife Leslie (nee Hillier), daughters Claire Morgan, Meghan Hillier (Kyle Thistle) and granddaughter Parker Thistle, who affectionally called him “Tampa”. He is also survived by his sisters Maureen, Peggy and Geraldine, his brothers Michael, John, Gerald and Harry, many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Joseph Morgan and Catherine Ann Morgan (nee Dooley), his sister Laura Curran and bothers, Paddy, Vinnie, Dessie, Brendan and Fra, sisters-in-law Pauline Morgan, Teresa Morgan, Hannah Morgan, Marilyn Morgan, nephew Jerome Curran and bothers-in-law, Neil Curran and Rob Hillier.

In his younger years Ken would make surprise visits to family often calling from the airport announcing that the “eagle has landed,” an expression that will forever be a prized and vivid memory of him. But now, the eagle has completed his final flight here with us and has gone to soar amongst the angels, in search of the new adventures that he was confident he would find.

Ken’s family would like to thank the staff on the 4th and 5th floor at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital for their kindness and care.

Ken's Funeral has taken place in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada on Thursday last, 10th February 2022.

May He Rest In Peace