After a valiant battle with leukemia, Dr. Kenneth L. Bridge of Ripley died peacefully, Nov. 12, 2020, surrounded by his family. Dearly missed by his children, Robyn Bridge (Brandon), Gordon “Sandy” Bridge (Sasha), Brian Bridge (Christine), and Becca Farrell (Thomas); and his beloved partner, Bev Ponton. Grandpa Ken will also be missed by his grandchildren, Everett, Arlo, Charlotte, Evelyn, Bennett, Joseph, Regan, Arden, Paige, Olivia, Chloe and Wyatt; and family members, Kerri (Jason), Miranda (Brad) and Corinn (Jay). Born April 27, 1954, he was the son of the late Evelyn (Avery) and Gordon Bridge. He grew up on a farm on the Southline, just outside of Kincardine, and attended the University of Guelph where he obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Ken practised veterinary medicine for more than 35 years, many of those as the owner of the Ripley-Huron Veterinary Clinic, Lucknow Huron Veterinary Services and Huron Shores Veterinary Services. He could often be seen travelling the back roads in his blue Chevy Blazer, wearing a Milk toque, blue overalls and a big black pair of rubber boots. He was involved with many committees and clubs over the years: volunteering with the 4-H Vet Club, serving as the president of both the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, and acting in leadership roles with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company and Masonic Northern Light Lodge No. 93. Ken was a trailblazer in veterinary medicine and enjoyed spending many years on the family farm. He always considered his family to be his proudest accomplishment. He was a famous tinkerer and loved exploring new pursuits from beekeeping to solar energy production, and hiking through the bush. His stories were legendary and he was widely-known for his generosity, modesty and kindness. In lieu of flowers, Ken has requested that donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Grey-Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound or the Farley Foundation, be made in his memory. At his request, there will be no funeral service. Family and friends gather at a later date to reminisce and share stories. Details will be shared by the family when they become available. In the interim, the family would very much appreciate if you have any stories to share involving Ken, to feel free to E-mail them to bridgekids54@gmail.com. The family thanks Ken’s health team, Dr. Gunaratne, Dr. Sandhu, Dr. Michelles and Dr. Schimmer. Thank you to all our family and friends for their support during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley; condolences and memorial on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com. |
