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)