Kenneth John Gascho, age 72, left us for his Heavenly Home after a lengthy battle with cancer on Monday, Nov. 27/23 at Guelph General Hospital with Rosalie, his loving wife of 35 years, at his side.
He grew up in Tavistock and attended university in Waterloo. He served with Youth for Christ, worked in the fiberglass industry, and in sales with an air distribution company in Toronto. He was later employed by Linamar in Guelph until retirement.
Ken was a person who preferred to give rather than receive. Until very recently, he was always ready to lend a hand or an ear to those in need.
He loved children, especially his many nieces and nephews and was their biggest fan at their many cherished activities and family celebrations.
His faith in God was integral to his life. He was a member of Parkwood Gardens Community Church, attending regularly when his health allowed and is remembered as being one of the last to leave each Sunday. Lunch with friends after the service was a treasured tradition.
While living in Toronto, Sunday afternoons were often spent hiking and rock climbing with friends in Milton. He also loved long bike rides along the Toronto Waterfront. In later years Ken enjoyed frequent road trips with Rosalie to explore southern Ontario’s scenic rural landscapes and the many unique cafes they coincidentally found.
Even though not of admitted Scottish descent, one of his pleasures was to attend Highland Games in Fergus, Cambridge and Embro. He enjoyed rousing bagpipe music and would enthusiastically play his recordings for anyone who would (or wouldn’t) listen.
His daily morning beverage of choice was a Tim Horton’s coffee, which paired well with a muffin. He never turned down a chance to dine at Swiss Chalet, also known as “Christian Chicken.” Vanilla ice cream was indicative of his simple culinary tastes that never allowed for such frivolous luxuries as BBQ sauce or any form of gravy or seasoning.
Ken’s quick wit and sense of humour was known to many as well as his endless stream of “Dad” jokes.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Rosalie, brother Wayne Gascho (Sara), nieces Natalie Gascho (Hyde), Andrea Gascho, Paige Gascho (Eric) and nephew Grant Salo and will be fondly remembered by his brother-in-law Barry Dyck (Marty), sister-in-law Elaine Wiens (Don) and nieces Bethany (Marty), Alissa (Joel), Heather (Dwayne), Karla (Brad) and nephew Greg (Kim) and many great nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents John and LaVone Gascho of Tavistock.
Friends and relatives are invited to Ken’s visitation on:
- Friday, Dec. 8th from 6 to 9 pm at Brombal Funeral Home, 1 Delhi Street, Guelph.
- Saturday, Dec. 9th from 10 to 11 am at Parkwood Gardens Community Church, 501 Whitelaw Road, Guelph.
Memorial Service will be on:
- Saturday, Dec. 9th at 11am at Parkwood Gardens Community Church, 501 Whitelaw Road, Guelph with a reception to follow immediately. All are welcome.
You are welcome to join the family via live-stream at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg9M1mihb7M
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Parkwood Gardens Community Church or MCC (Mennonite Central Committee).