Obituary of Kenneth Royce Gaukel

Gaukel, Kenneth Royce May 28, 1953 - August 17th, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ken Gaukel at the age of 68. Devoted husband to Mary (MacGregor) for almost 41 years. Loving father to Jason (Jen), Michelle (JP), Nicole (Ryan), Melissa (Rich) and Ashley (Matt). Amazing grandfather to Emma, Alex, Madelynn, Hannah, Audra, Penelope, Genevieve, Morgan and Piper. Predeceased by his parents, Earl and Helen Gaukel (Bartlett), and his sister-in-law Margie Gaukel. Loved brother of Alan (Debbie), Rick (Joan), Kate (Les) and Patricia. He will be missed by many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and all his wonderful friends. Ken spent 43 years working for the County of Brant at the South Dumfries Community Centre where he worked his way from rink rat to Arena Manager before retiring at the end of 2013. Ken started his retirement with a simple project, a sunroom addition to the house and then moved onto buying a camper. Ken and Mary travelled to Arizona, Florida and everywhere in between as well as visiting their daughter overseas. They would spend their winters down south with their friends. He enjoyed spending the summers camping with his grandkids. Ken was a man of few words at times, but his words were wise and well spoken. Ken was a pillar of strength and quiet confidence. He was the type of person we all aspire to be. His brilliant smile and laugh would light up the room. An open house celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Sunday August 22nd from 1pm-4:30pm at the South Dumfries Community Centre, 7 Gaukel Drive, St. George, ON. In honour of Ken’s memory, please arrive in your casual summer attire, sandals and a baseball hat if you choose. Donations in Ken’s name can be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Princess Margaret Hospital was instrumental to Ken’s recovery when he kicked cancer’s ass, 45 years ago. Family is requesting that anyone attending the open house respect all current covid protocols. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Ave. Brantford, 519-752-4331. A tree will be planted in memory of Ken in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.