In his 84th year of an exceptional life, Ken passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family and the love and strength he so generously bestowed during his lifetime.
Ken was born on August 30, 1940, in Newark, New Jersey, to Ethel and Albert Breitman. His 52-year career as a Clinical Psychologist was dedicated to enriching the lives of others, beginning in New Jersey in the late 1960s, followed by a decade in Ottawa (where he served as a staff psychologist at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and taught at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa) and since 1978, in Guelph, Ontario, serving as Chief of Psychology at Homewood Health Centre and subsequently as Director of Homewood Behavioural Health for a combined total of two decades, all while simultaneously maintaining a private practice. After retiring from Homewood in 1996, Ken dedicated himself to full-time private practice for another 21 years, alongside his longtime consulting work for the Jesuits of Canada.
Ken was a pillar of the Guelph community, serving on several Boards of Directors, and appearing in many Royal City Musical Productions, notably playing the roles of Billy Bigelow in Carousel and King Arthur in Camelot, where his beautiful voice and dramatic skills were enjoyed by all who attended. In addition, he enjoyed long-time membership in Beth Isaiah Synagogue, Guelph Wellington Men’s Club, Guelph Billies, and Waverley Masonic Lodge.
Above all, Ken was devoted to his dear family. He will be forever cherished and missed by his beloved wife and best friend of 57 years, Pauline, his adoring daughters and sons-in-law, Rosanna and Jeff, Nancy and Bob, Pearl and David, and his precious grandchildren, Amy, Charlotte, Ben, Leo, Joey, Miriam, Sarah, and Emily. Predeceased by his dear brother Michael (2017), he will be sorely missed by his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Carl Berg, Joyce Berg, and Jamie Breitman, as well as his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all who knew him. Ken was the epitome of goodness, strength, courage, honour, and wisdom and was a truly exceptional human being.
Funeral services will be held at Beth Isaiah Synagogue, 47 Surrey St. West, Guelph, on Wednesday, March 6 at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Cantor Cheryl Wunch, with interment immediately following at Woodlawn Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at 30 Waverley Drive, Guelph on Wednesday, March 6 immediately following interment until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, March 8 from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10 from 1-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Monday, March 11 from 1-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. If desired, donations in Ken’s memory to Hospice Wellington, Beth Isaiah Synagogue, Guelph Food Bank, or to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Ken’s family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Drs. Brisson, Chippin, Freedman, Graham, Luthra, Misterski, Purdon, Robinson, Tang-Wai, and Trainor for their kindnesses and dedication, and to Hospice Wellington, Eunice, Rita, and Tracey for their care and support.
Arrangements entrusted to Brombal Funeral Home, Guelph, https://brombal.ca