It has been announced that former Woodbine Entertainment Group Board Member Kenneth W.J. Harrigan recently passed away at the age of 89.

Ken Harrigan was a devoted husband and father. He cherished his time with his predeceased wife, Jean; children, Tara Tomlinson and husband Gerald, Stephen and wife Sue; and his four grandchildren, Laura, Brock, Kendra and Alanna.

Born in Chatham, Ont., growing up in London, educated at University of Western Ontario, Harrigan accepted a position at the Ford Motor Company in 1951. He charged up the ranks of Ford, having stints across Canada, in Australia and the UK where Jean and Ken made lifelong friends. Ken retired from Ford in 1992 having attained the position of Chairman and CEO, which he had held for 10 years.

Harrigan went on to hold Board and/or chair positions at Samuel Manu-Tech, London Life, Versa Services, Brookfield, Ontario Jockey Club (Woodbine Entertainment Group), Royal Ontario Museum, Ivey School of Business and many government and industry councils. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996 and earned his Doctorate of Laws from University of Western Ontario in 1994 for his outstanding contribution in business.

Ken enjoyed spending winters living in Naples, Florida and summers living in Oakville on the shores of Lake Ontario. Ken and Jean were well known to frequent restaurants in Oakville, with their favourite being Seasons.

Harrigan’s family would like to thank the team at Nurse Next Door for their excellent care for the past few years.

Visitation took place on Monday, September 19 from 2-4 and from 7-9 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds St., Oakville. Funeral Service will be held at St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William St., Oakville on Tuesday, September 20 at 1:30 p.m. Interment to be held on Saturday, September 24 at Christ Church Cemetery, Glanworth.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers. Please visit our the Book of Memories at wardfuneralhome.com

Funeral Home
Ward Funeral Homes Oakville Chapel
109 Reynolds Street
Oakville, ON L6J 3K4
(905) 844-3221 Funeral Home Details

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ken Harrigan.

(With files from the Toronto Star)