Peacefully after a battle with dementia and with family by his side on January 1, 2025, in his 89th year Kenneth “Ken” Stainthorpe went home to be with his Lord and Saviour.
Ken was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on November 16, 1936 and then moved with his family to Quebec in 1939 as his parents’ sought employment in the farming community eventually obtaining the family farm in Melbourne Quebec in 1947. Ken left the family farm moving to Toronto, Ontario in 1953 where he met his future wife Jean, in 1955 who he married in 1958.
Ken retired from policing in 1994 after a 34-year career serving in four Municipal Police Services rising through the ranks, finally serving a total of 22 years as Chief of Police first in Atikokan, Ontario and then Elliot Lake, Ontario. Ken was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the Governor General’s Exemplary Service medal and Bar for his service to policing. Ken also volunteered serving on the Boards of the Atikokan General Hospital, Community Living Atikokan, District of Rainy River Family & Children’s Services, St. Joseph’s Hospital Elliot Lake, Huron Lodge Elliot Lake and the Catholic Hospital Association of Ontario. Ken was also a Big Brother and member of the Kiwanis Club.
More importantly Ken served in various ministries at the Missionary Church in Brampton, First Baptist Church Atikokan, Elliot Lake Bible Chapel and Ilderton Community Church.
Ken did not think retirement was “sitting on the porch in a rocking chair” and after leaving policing in 1994. With Jean by his side, Ken served for four summers managing a Bible camp for First Nations children in Swan Lake, Manitoba. While in Swan Lake, Ken was asked to be the Interim Pastor at the 1st Czechoslovak Baptist Church in Minitonas, Manitoba. Ken then taught a Mission Preparation Course at Teen Missions Bible School in Florida for two years. In 2000 Ken was called to serve as the Pastor of First Baptist Church Atikokan which he said he would do for two years and ended up pastoring until declining health finally pushed him to retire in 2012.
Ken is predeceased by his older brother James Stainthorpe (1937) and his parents George Stainthorpe (1985) and Beatrice (Cote) Stainthorpe (2007). Ken leaves behind the love of his life of 67 years Jean Margaret Stainthorpe, (nee Codlin) and sons Richard Stainthorpe (Karen), Kevin Stainthorpe (Donna), and Darrin Stainthorpe. Ken also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Mallorie (Jason), Melinda (Matthew), Cara (Jonathan), Christopher (Meen), Cory (Jess), Timothy, Joshua (Meagan), Jacob, Pricilla, and Angela plus 9 great grandchildren: Addy, Parker, Ethan, Arlo, Eleanor, Auston, Chloe, Elizabeth, and Lilly and many nieces and nephews.
Two of Ken’s favorite Bible verses are Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” and Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will fulfill his purpose in me…”
Cremation has taken place. To allow better travel conditions, family and friends are welcome to a Celebration of Life that will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 1 to 4 pm, with a service of remembrance at 2pm, at the Vintage Green Apartments Clubhouse,1 Pondview Road, Ilderton, ON.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners or the charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
We extend condolences to Jean and family from Cornerstone Baptist Church, formerly First Czech Baptist Church in Minitonas, MB
We thank God for the time Ken and Jean invested in our church and community while serving as our interim pastor.
We remain grateful for his faithful ministry and his “shepherd’s heart”. May his memory bring blessings as he has touched so many lives!
Al and l send our sympathy to Jean and family on the passing of Ken, we know we will see him again. So many great memories of Ken and Jean while in Elliot Lake, as we were just a young believering family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Al and Bonnie Pleau 🙏
Precious Jean,
With saddened hearts we send our condolences at the passing of Ken🌹You two have been such an amazing couple, that has set a Christian example to many. Such good friends to my parents, and our family. We love you very much and you are in my prayers during this difficult time🙏🏼
Rick, Kevin and Darren…how blessed you were to have Pastor Ken as your father❤️May your cherished memories strengthen you in the days ahead and bring you smiles. We think of Karen, Donna and all the grandchildren and pray comfort, for you all. Big hugs to the family💐
Pastor Ken loved everyone, and was such a Christian encouragement. We know he is now with his Lord and Saviour. I believe he has heard the words, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant’ 😊💙
Jean & Extended family members.
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad & difficult time.
Linda
Dear Jean & family, Fred & I were blessed by your friendship during our years at Triple C Camp. We alway appreciated Ken sharing in the ministry there. He was a special man. My prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Love, Sue
Annmarie and I were saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He was very well respected within the Policing Community, as well as every Town or City he touched with his compassion. He was no doubt one of the most honorable and caring persons I’ve had the privilege to work for. Our deepest condolences to Jean and the family for their loss of a good man, when the world could use more like
him.
Rest in Peace Ken
Garry /Annmarie Mills
I’M VERY SAD TO SEE THIS, ME BEING A BAD GUY AND A SINNER, HIM BEING A CHIEF OF POLICE AND A REVEREND, BUT IT WAS EASY TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH OUR NEIGHBORS WHEN WE MET AT A COMMON PLACE CALLED LOVE! I’M VERY SAD FOR HIS WIFE JEAN AND HIS FAMILY
Jan and I offer our deepest condolences to Jean and family on Ken’s passing.
I had the privilege of knowing Ken as he served as Chief of Police both in Atikokan and Elliot Lake. It was my honour to be a member of both those Police Services Committees at the time that Ken served. Always a man of principle and compassion he served the public honourably and well.
All our best to Jean and her three sons.
Mike and Jan Lewis
Judy and I send our sympathy to Jean and family on the passing of Ken, we know we will see him again as it is promised in scripture, while in Elliot Lake he was the same as others commented previously, the one thing we can be sure of is God keeps his promises. Al and Judy
Deepest condolences to Jean and her family
Please accept our deepest condolences to Jean, Rick, Kevin, Darren and families.
Such an inspiration to us all. He lived his life with integrity and compassion to all. I still have his stained glass pieces which I hang up at Christmas…never to be forgotten. He left his legacy behind in the Atikokan Baptist church as well. My sincere condolences Jean Rick, Kevin and Darrin and families. ❤️
Ken, “Uncle Ken”, was a great family friend from my earliest recollections. He will be missed by so many. On behalf of the Foster Family, condolences to Aunt Jean, Rick, Kevin and Darrin and their families.
I want to send my deepest condolences to Jean, Rick, Kevin, Darren & families! Ken always had a smile a hug & encouraging words that touched my heart!! He will be missed here but I know we will meet again in Glory!
Sending my love;
Joy Larson