National Post
March 15, 2017
Kenneth Wickes, October 9, 1923 - March 12, 2017, Died peacefully
in his sleep at Bridgepoint Health Centre, Toronto, surrounded by loving
friends, after battling cancer with dignity and determination for the last year
of a life well lived. Beloved son of the late Clarence and Ivy Wickes; loyal
brother to the late Jack, the late Alan, and to Geoffrey; dear uncle to Claire,
Linda, Ian, Paul and Neil Wickes.
Known to countless friends and colleagues as ‘Kenny’,he
was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and raised in London. He served in the
British Army in Italy and Iraq during the Second World War and was the proud
recipient of three military service medals. After graduating from theatre
school and performing in London-area theatres, he moved to Canada in 1957.
Within one year he received the Best Actor Award at the Dominion Drama Festival
for his performance as Vladimir in Waiting for Godot. The curtain had been
raised on a distinguished career in theatre, film, radio drama and television
that would span half a century.
Kenneth Wickes had a second calling in life: that of a
volunteer and Good Samaritan. He devoted decades to fundraising as Treasurer
for The Actors Fund of Canada, and was a founding member of The Performing Arts
Lodge of Toronto. A resident of PAL Lodge since it opened in 1993, Mr. Wickes
served for many years on the Board of Directors and was an eloquent spokesman
for the rights of cultural industry workers to affordable, quality housing.
Kenneth Wickes may have taken his final curtain call, but will be forever
remembered by all whose lives he touched with generosity, kindness and lasting
friendship.
Sincere thanks are in order for his close friends at PAL,
whose caring support and love for Ken during the past year brought him much
comfort.
A celebration of his wonderful life will be held at PAL
at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, Ken asked for an in memoriam
charitable donation to Performing Arts Lodge Toronto, to help provide nursing
services for his fellow residents at PAL Toronto.
WICKES, Kenneth
(Kenneth Edward Wilkes)
Born: 10/9/1923,
Buckinghamshire, England, U.K.
Died: 3/12/2017,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Kenneth Wilkes’
western – actor:
The Campbells (TV) – 1986 (Curry)
No comments:
Post a Comment