In Memory of
Dr. Kenneth L. Bridge
April 27th, 1954 - November 12th, 2020

Place of Death

At his residence

Obituary

After a valiant battle with leukemia, Dr. Kenneth L. Bridge passed away peacefully on November 12, 2020 surrounded by his family. Ken will be dearly missed by his children; Robyn Bridge (Brandon), Gordon “Sandy” Bridge (Sasha), Brian Bridge (Christine), 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. Ken will also be missed by family members Kerri (Jason), Miranda (Brad) and Corinn (Jay). Born on April 27, 1954 to the late Evelyn (Avery) and Gordon Bridge, Ken grew up on a farm on the Southline, just outside of Kincardine. He attended the University of Guelph where he obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Ken practiced veterinary medicine for more than 35 years, many of those years 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. Ken was involved with many committees and clubs over the years; including but not limited to 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 #93. Ken was a trailblazer in veterinary medicine and enjoyed spending many years on the family farm. Ken always considered his family to be the accomplishment he was most proud of. 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 Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Grey-Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound or the Farley Foundation be made in his memory. At Ken’s request, there will be no funeral service. Rather, he has requested that his 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 would like to thank Ken’s health team, Dr. Gunaratne, Dr. Sandhu, Dr. Michelles and Dr. Schimmer. Thank you to all family and friends for their support in this difficult time.

Donations

Please select one of the family's preferred charities:

  Brightshores Health System (Owen Sound Foundation)

You can also select the charity of your choice below:


Message from Jack Nancekivell2020-11-24 09:17:22

Ken was a true gentleman that I enjoyed travelling with to a number of Masonic events.  He was always thoughtful and provided an intelligent perspective to each situation.  My sincere condolences are extended to Ken's family.  He will be missed. 

Message from Theresa & Jerry Fabian2020-11-21 11:54:08

Extending our thoughts and prayers to all of the Bridge family during this sad and difficult time. 

Message from Arun Krishnamurti & Nicole Munoz2020-11-20 15:58:42

There isn't much we can say other than that we are sending you lots of love and all of our thoughts.   We're so sorry for your loss, and we are here for you in any way we can be.  

Message from Paul & Linda Cunliffe2020-11-20 05:26:25

Ken, you were an inspiration to all of us.

Message from Anne Holmes2020-11-19 20:12:41

My sincere condolences for your loss 

Message from Marcel Lalonde2020-11-18 10:14:29

Ken was an admired colleague and classmate. 

He helped me during my hour of need and I am forever grateful, but true to his nature, it was just part of the many things he did and accomplished.

His concern for everyone and his grasp of the intent of organizations was such that he clearly understood the concept of the common interest, as well as keeping the common and reasoned good as an important part of his vision and implementation.

 There will be many organizations and individuals that will struggle for the words to honour this dear big-hearted man.

 Rest in peace Ken, you have earned the respect of all your colleagues, friends, neighbours and the many beasts you have attended to in your lifetime.

 Many heartfelt wishes of sympathy to his family.

 

Message from Dorothy Medd2020-11-18 08:42:00

Sincere sympathy to the Bridge family.  Thinking of everyone during these difficult times.  

Message from Bob Rundle2020-11-17 18:59:58

Robyn, so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you during this difficult time. Love and hugs sent your way!

Message from Carol Rhody2020-11-17 12:05:03

My deepest sympathies to all the Bridge family.  Remembering all the good times we shared at the clinic.  Love to you all.  

Message from Lucy Costa2020-11-16 17:37:43

Gordon, my condolences to you and your family. May the many wonderful memories you have with your Dad bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Message from Ed Van Miltenburg2020-11-16 17:12:46

So sorry to hear about Ken's passing. As a member of the mutual family he will be missed by all that had the pleasure of getting to know him.

Message from Donna & Rob Middelkamp (Johnston)2020-11-16 15:39:03

Our Deepest Sympathy to Ken's Family on his passing he was a pretty talented man and always there  to help or answer questions . We will keep you all in our thought and prayers sending hugs to you all at this difficult time . RIP DR BRIDGE!!! 

Message from Nadia Vercillo2020-11-16 11:33:11

My heart is broken to hear of your loss and of Ken's passing. I will miss our debates, philisophical ponderings and, of course, his stories. (a friend from the veterinary association)

Message from Stuart and Margie VanderVaart2020-11-16 11:29:29

Condolences with the passing of your father and grandfather.

Message from Dr. Phil Meadows2020-11-16 11:12:19

I am a bovine veterinarian at Mitchell Veterinary Services.  Please pass along our heartfelt condolensces to the Bridge family from all of us at the clinic.  I admired Ken for his commitment to the various veterinary organizations he gave so much of his time.  It was through this work that I got to know Ken as he provided the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) with regular updates from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

Sincerely,

Phil

Message from Jessica Leinwand2020-11-16 09:20:16

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, Gordon.

 

Message from Helen + Dale Orr2020-11-15 12:06:22

Dear Robyn, Sandy, Brian and Becca our deepest condolences.  Your Dad was a true gentleman and a wonderful neighbour.  I always learned something when he was here to the cattle and no question was too stupid.  I had the pleasure of driving him in the Ripley Fall Fair parade a number of years ago and we spent more time talking than waving at the crowds.  Oh the knowledge that man had.  He gave us an extensive tour of his house one evening and the planning and thought that went into it, wow.  He made the best strawberry pie too, right Brian!!  He loved his children more than anything in the world. We look forward to sharing more stories with you and believe you me, we have stories.  God bless him, he isn't suffering anymore. Helen

Message from Ewen Ferguson2020-11-15 11:48:26

I was very saddened to hear of Ken's passing. He visited my practice in the early part of his career and we remained friends since that time. He could make an impression after only a few minutes of knowing him. Ken was that kind of a guy.

He was always welcoming, always interested in your opinion, always had time for a story and was always ready with a big smile and an even bigger laugh.

My condolences to his family. You have lost a dear family member. Our profession has lost a dear friend and a tremendous advocate. 

Message from Doug and Karen Martyn2020-11-15 09:41:16

Extending our sytmpathy to all Ken's familly at this time of the loss of such a genuine and sincere man. His humour will be missed.

Doug and Karen

Message from Tom Barber2020-11-15 09:20:31

Please accept our deepest sympathies. The Bridge family is in our thoughts.

Tom, Ange and Luke

Message from George Wathke & Maxine Ribey2020-11-14 19:16:32

To the family, we are very sad to here of Ken's passing, and very sorry for your lose, our sincere condolences to the family.

 

George & Maxine  

Message from Dr Nancy Caven2020-11-14 17:28:16

HOw shocked and saddened I am to hear of Ken's passing. The world has lost a great person. I will always remember his sense of humor. He was a classmate and made the journey through OVC that much better. Heaven has acquired a real angel! My sympathies go out to all his family-I know he is sadly missed. 

Take care everyone.

Message from Sharon (Osborne) Loghrin2020-11-14 16:17:42

Sincerest condolences to Ken's immediate family and to the extended Bridge families. We were all neighbours "long ago' on the Southline.

Sharon ( Osborne) Loghrin

 

Message from Bill Teeter2020-11-14 14:37:23

Sincerest sympathy to all of Ken's treasured family.  He was a well liked and respected classmate and we are saddened at his passing.  He was not always a man of many words, but with that impish grin and twinkle in his eye, what he did say was often profound and mattered.  He contributed greatly to the veterinary profession in Ontario and made a large impact on the community.  RIP dear friend, we will miss you greatly.

Message from Ruth Anne Robinson2020-11-14 13:29:15

My thoughts are with all the Bridge family and South Line community.  As you mourn your loss, may many happy memories take the edge from the sorrow.   I think often of days gone by.

Message from Ed Lehoczky2020-11-14 12:05:04

We are very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was a wonderful veterinarian and a great guy. The sincerest of condolences to his children, relatives and friends.

Ed, Amanda and Brock Lehoczky

 

Message from Margaret Thompson2020-11-14 09:53:07

My deepest sympathy to all of Ken's family and also to Bev.  He will be missed by many. Remember the good times.  Marg.

Message from Randy Steven Graham2020-11-14 08:25:47

Ken was never short of an opinion on whatever topic you wanted to entertain and it was a pleasure to engage in conversations with him.  He gave to much back to the veterinary profession.  He will be missed.

Rest in Peace Ken

Message from Gail and Brian Johnson2020-11-14 08:19:25

Our deepest condolences to Robyn, Sandy, Brian, Becca and families and Bev on the loss of your much loved Dad, Grandpa and partner. May your many treasured memories bring you peace in the days ahead.

Sincerely Gail and Brian Johnson

Message from Bob & June Gilchrist2020-11-14 07:45:33

We send our sincere condolences to all of Ken`s family in the loss of a great man, friend and former neighbour. Gone too soon to enjoy his retirement and will be truly missed . Bob & June

Message from Leanne DeCarolis & Family2020-11-13 20:15:58

Robyn and Family,

Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.

Sending you all hugs and lots of love! 

Love always Leanne, Jason and the kids

Message from Ross Lamont2020-11-13 20:14:52

My condolences to Ken's family. He was a great guy and will be missed. 

 

Message from Daniel Burns2020-11-13 17:30:51

To the extended Bridge family and Bev,

Trudy and I would like to extend our sympathies to you on the loss of Ken.  Ken was a great man and loved by many.  It was my pleasure to work with him over the past 5 years at WWMIC.  Ken dedicated a lot of time to WWMIC and we appreciate that.  I learned a lot from Ken and developed a deep respect for him.  I will also miss the many good times  and laughter we had together.  Rest in peace.

Message from Debbie MacKay2020-11-13 17:17:17

My thoughts are with you all.  Brian and I had so many great trips with Ken and Bev and the West Wawanosh group.  Ken will be sadly missed.

Debbie MacKay 

Message from Colin Elwood2020-11-13 17:01:36

My sincerest condolences to Ken's family and his beloved friend Bev.  Ken was my masonic brother and friend - we had many good times and many laughs together at Lodge and at our social gatherings.  I will miss him.

V.W. Bro. Colin Elwood, Worshipful Master, Northern Light Lodge No. 93

Message from Les Nichols2020-11-13 16:29:42

My deepest condolences to Ken's family. I was On BCFA board for several years with Ken. Great person and contributed to agriculture in many ways.

Message from Jennifer Schaffer2020-11-13 16:22:39

My deepest condolences to Gordon and his family for the loss of his father.  He was clearly a beloved family member.

All the best,

Jennifer

Message from Paul Edwards2020-11-13 15:58:26

I'm so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. He was a man of honour and integrity. I will miss chatting with him at Vet meetings. Please accept my deepest condolances.

Dr Paul and Josie Edwards

Message from Andrea Schwartz2020-11-13 15:55:21

Gordon, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear father.  My sincere condolences to you and your family.  Wishing you comfort in your memories. 

 

Message from Henry Ceelen2020-11-13 15:47:44

The veterinary community in Ontario has lost a great veterinarian and a great person.  Ken will be missed in so many ways.

Beyond his family and veterinary practice, he donated a large amount of his (spare) time to the affairs of verterinarians, and did so with distinction

There is a large hole in my heart today hearing the news of his passing

Please accept my sincerest condolences

Message from Cathy Hamilton2020-11-13 15:35:03

Dear Gordon, please accept my heartfelt condolences. 

Cathy Hamilton 

Message from rae worden2020-11-13 15:20:37

Our sympathies at this time.

Ken was a veterinarian with big boots and a man with a big heart. His presence in all our worlds will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to all his loved ones.

Sincerely

Rae, Patricia Worden and Family 

Message from Jim Fairles2020-11-13 15:05:23

Our sincere condolenses to family on the passing of Ken. I was shocked to hear this. As a classmate and friend, he has done so much for veterinary medicine. I have know him as a neighbouring veterinary practitioner and also as through organized veterinary medicine as we both volunteered in that capacity. From Mary Lou and I , our sincerest condolenses..