Longtime horseman Ken Carmichael, who worked for trainer William ‘Bill’ Wellwood for over 20 years, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on Saturday, October 25 at the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
Ken, 76, will now join his beloved wife, Shirley, and the family finds great comfort in knowing they are together now. Ken is the loving father of Kelly and Lori. Ken will be sadly missed by his grandsons, Brayden Woodley, and Eli and Dylan Popp. Ken is survived by his sister, Carrie Farnsworth and husband Jim of Coldwater Ont, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers; Alec, Neil, Ian and sisters; Jean, Edna, Edith, Anne, and Isabel.
Ken will be forever remembered by his family and friends in the Ottawa Valley, friends in the Standardbred industry and the numerous friends he met throughout his life. All who met him felt the kindness, he was a warm, humble man who taught us to care about others, work hard and always take the time to help others whenever possible.
Family and Friends are invited to visit at the McKersie-Kocher Funeral Home, 114 Main St. E, Milton 905-878-4452 on Wednesday, October 29 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral chapel on Thursday, October 30 at 11 a.m. Interment to take place at Milton Evergreen Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations in memory of Ken can be made to ‘Go and Play Stables,’ (an organization that helps find homes and retrains retired Standardbred horses), CCAC or your choice of charity would be appreciated.
Letters of condolence, shared stories and memorial donations may be left for the family online here or at the bottom of this notice.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ken Carmichael.
Kenny was from the old
Kenny was from the old school. Always had a smile on his face. I remember him well from the Richelieu Park and Blue Bonnets days.
Kenny's daughters call him
Kenny's daughters call him "Mr. Everything" and that sums it up. This man was someone who always brought a smile to my face. He was out on that track in rain, hail, sleet and snow day in and day out. No one worked harder. A honest and kind spirited man. True gentleman. After I knew him for years I became friends with his daughters Lori and Kelly. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy in them and his grandchildren. Great horseman loved and respected both in Canada and the US, great husband, dad, grandfather and friend. What more can a man achieve in life. Well done kidso RIP
Some time ago, I was one of
Some time ago, I was one of the younger fellows in the backstretch that held great respect for Ken. Rest in Peace Mr. Carmichael.
Our sincere condolences to
Our sincere condolences to Ken's family. He started with me in l954 and went to Mr. Cameron a few years later. He was one of the best grooms and hardest worker I ever had. This trait came from his family whom I knew for generations. I was so happy he was at my birthday party . John Findley (and Mary Jane)
Rest in peace Ken. He always
Rest in peace Ken. He always had a smile and a laugh to share. He was also a very capable horseman who many younger fellows in the backstretch held in great respect. I was one of them.
I am sorry for his family's loss.
I knew ken over 50 years ago
I knew ken over 50 years ago when he was racing out of smiths falls and training at the track on queen st. he was racing with two of my uncles, Neil and Ross (cowboy) Curran.
Raced with Kenny at blue
Raced with Kenny at blue bonnets and richelieu park, a GENTLEMAN with a big heart, always had a smile, if he could help you, he surely would. R.I.P. Kenny.
First met Ken in the mid
First met Ken in the mid 60's, a loyal friend, hard worker, dedicated to his family and a top horseman, we shared many good times and great stories. He would arrive at Mohawk in the spring with his group of homebreds by Ezra Deen, the trotters were a project and the pacers were dangerous but in no time Kenny would be winning race after race. My condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace old friend, you
Rest in Peace old friend, you have suffered enough. Ken and I were friends for a lifetime and he was always a great guy and was well respected as a top horseman by everyone in the business. He dearly loved his daughters Kelly and Lori.
Kenny was a lot of fun to
Kenny was a lot of fun to work with and really cared about the people and horses around him. He taught me as much about the business as anybody. A true mentor. I was always amazed when I would travel with "Kidso" at how many people he knew and considered him a friend all over the U.S and Canada. Kenny will truely be missed by many people and should be remembered as a consumate horseman and true friend. Rest in peace.