Goodbye Ken
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
Self-serving I know. I am trying so hard not to be but I can’t shake my sorrow, and I’m the one who is alive. Regardless, I feel like I (and ‘I’ include you and others in that ‘I’) need a second heart. I need two hearts because the break in mine is more than one can handle.
Losing two of the finest people in my life within 24 hours has smattered my senses with pain, stress and grief. I am feeling numb.
I may not be legitimate family to either one of them but they are family to me.
Ken (Kenneth David) Heatherington was stolen from us Tuesday, Nov. 4 due to health complications. Kenny left behind a plethora of relatives and friends including his wife Catriona, brothers Wayne, Ron and Randy and sister Pat as well as numerous nieces and nephews and also sisters-in-law Christine and Elizabeth.
His family has requested no formal service though condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com or Link: www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/kelowna-bc/kenneth-heatherington-12615095
His brief obituary suggests he held a, “respected and dedicated in his role as a real estate appraiser,” and that he was “also a talented musician.”
Hardly the full credit the tremendously talented singer, guitar player, and entertainer deserves. Ken Heatherington was a unique, genuine and unforgettable musician with beaming smile, warm heart and sense of frivolity that drew so many fans and friends to him.
Kenny and I spent multiple hours engaged in chuckles and ‘tom-foolery’, a term we attached to ourselves when getting together. Yet despite the fun façade there was a deep and sensitive side to Kenny that saw into people and was always there to help.
Another man who knew Kenny’s various sides was his bandmate Graham Schofield who shared the stage with equal or perhaps even more zeal than Kenny and their band Zamboni Brothers. If you wanted a party band the Zambonis were it. No one had more fun dancing or partying with the Zambonis except, perhaps, the Zambonis themselves.
Tez and I know that for fact since they were the band that played our wedding.
I’m lucky with multiple personal, quiet, non music memories of Kenny but one that crosses all the borders and was our memory alone took place during the last municipal election. While most of my ‘volunteer’ campaign supporters would tuck themselves in the early mornings or evenings my dear pal Kenny was outside in the cold and snow and waving my one stick HODGE election sign at cars. What made his effort and action even more amazing was his playing guitar and singing at the same time.
I’m sure he garnered me a few votes with that effort.
Two months ago while having a visit in my back yard Kenny and I chuckled at the recall of him waving my sign, playing guitar that snowy, cold weather on an evening when I joined him. We froze and laughed together.
I was thinking about those moments when I learned of the loss of another dear friend and brother by choice Keith Thom.
Keith, known to many as ‘Papa Thom’, was a talented and loveable singer, songwriter, musician, who also shared his people and social skills as a Councillor/Deputy Mayor of Peachland. He and wife Mary Lynn ran a bed and breakfast in town.
His obituary explained him well. “Keith believed in the power of music to make a difference. He toured across Canada, performing fundraisers to support those in need of housing, food, and care. For five winters, he drove coast to coast, cooking meals in homeless shelters and donating guitars—bringing warmth and hope to thousands. His generosity and creativity touched communities far and wide.”
I remember asking him how he could afford so many guitars. Keith grinned and said, “The kindness of people would kick in, Charlie. I’d give away a guitar, and someone would hear about it, show up at the next gig with another one. Store owners, other volunteers, public. I just travelled from town to town handing them out, people kept bringing me more, so I kept handing them out,” Keith marvelled with a grin.
Ironically Keith died (Nov.6) on the final return leg of latest fund raiser journey to Ontario. It appears Keith suffered a heart attack while driving just outside Revelstoke.
Born Keith Pierson Thom on May 13, 1954, in Kitchener, Ontario, he lived a life full of music, laughter, and unwavering kindness. Later in life, he embraced a new chapter, relocating to Peachland, British Columbia, where he lived with his ‘Beloved’ Mary Lynn and built a life surrounded by the beauty of the Okanagan.
I first met Keith after he asked me to assist with some public relations events for the Okanagan Anglican Church Camp. Our musical connection was an obvious place to start and we worked together for years musically becoming fast friends. We did several concerts where I was Master of Ceremonies and Keith was either the star or warm up act. We had such fun and he was so gracious.
Keith was the only musician I played on stage with, which we did a few times.
All that time on the road, or planning event, brought us incredibly tight and he became more and more interested in my role as a Kelowna city councillor. I eventually convinced him he should run. Keith was first elected to Peachland council in 2014 and had a tremendous first term.
He ran for mayor in 2019 but failed to capture the sceptre. Undaunted Keith ran again as a councillor for the 2022 term and was successful.
“Keith was far more than a colleague – he was a dear friend, a steady presence, and a passionate ambassador for our town of Peachland,” Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and council told the media reads. “Over years of service, both on council and in the community, he touched countless lives through his warmth, his music, his generous spirit, and his dedication.”
“He brought to the table his experience in business, construction, and adult education, tempered by the compassion of an artist.”
Mayor Van Minsel explained that, “Through his live-streamed performances and fundraising Thom raised thousands of dollars for food banks during the pandemic. His charitable efforts extended to supporting local seniors, community groups, and arts initiatives. Supporting Thom’s passion and making donation to the Peachland Food Bank in his memory would be most welcome.”
Thom’s potential new CD album, produced in studio owned by Ray Roper of Stonebolt notoriety remains in temporary limbo.
Keith touched countless lives through his gentle nature, sense of humor, and compassionate heart. He taught those around him how to love deeply, spread kindness, and find laughter even in difficult times.
His legacy is one of music, generosity, and love—a beautiful soul who made the world brighter for everyone he met.
Thom leaves behind his wife, Mary Lynn, children Fiona, Andrew, and Rachael, grandsons Maxwell and Carson, stepchildren Charles, Alexander, and Mathew.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Peachland on January 24th. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to your local food bank or homeless shelter in Keith’s memory.
