Kenneth "Kenny" Ramsey of Goderich and formerly from Camlachie, Ont., passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, at Clinton Public Hospital with his family by his side, at the age of 85. 

Ken is survived by wife Shirley (nee McGill) of 55 years; his children, Bryan, Sharon (Todd) Bekuschew, Brad, and Sheryl Ramsey, all of Goderich, Ont.; six grandchildren, whom he cherished dearly; his sister, Evelyn Stewardson of Petrolia, Ont.; brother, Raymond Ramsey of Wyoming, Ont.; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many friends. Predeceased by his parents, Ron and Phyllis, and a daughter, Julie, in infancy.

Ken spent his life farming dairy and Standardbred horses. He started driving horses at the fairs in his late teens and was licensed in his early 20s. He drove at Ontario racetracks in Windsor, Dresden, London and Goderich, where he was the leading driver in 1968. He trained and drove horses under the Valleycreek Stable name, including Valleycreek Helen, Valleycreek Judge and Valleycreek Red, in addition to working for Cecil and Wes Coke at Garden City and Greenwood in the 1960s. Having been injured in the winter of 1969-70, he made the decision to milk cows for a living. Ken moved to Blyth, Ont. in 1975 after buying a dairy farm, but still attended the races in Clinton, Hanover and Goderich. He eventually sold the dairy farm in the late 1990s and horses became his life focus once again. He raced and bred horses like Windsor Killean, Compass Hall, Decisive Margin and Smorgasbord under the Kennairn Stables name. After retiring, he still enjoyed watching racing on television and live at Clinton and Hanover.

Ken was involved with Lambton County Junior Farmers, 4-H, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Holstein club, the Ontario Milk marketing board, Clinton Fair board and The United Church.

In his younger years, he loved playing baseball and hockey. When given the opportunity to go dancing, you would find him pushing Shirley around the dance floor. Ken loved spending time with his family and friends.

The Ramseys would like to give a special thanks to the nursing staff and doctors at Clinton Public Hospital for all of their kindness and compassionate care they gave Kenny and the family during his time there.

In lieu of flowers, donations to SickKids Hospital, London, Make A Wish Foundation, London or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.`

A private family service will take place at the Beechwood Cemetery in Forest, Ont. 

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 in Goderich, Ont. on Saturday, June 8 from 12 p.m. to  5 p.m.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Kenny Ramsey.