Kenneth C. Shain / BA, CA

February 22, 2010
By Ed Scheck
 

As I thought about what to say today, I decided to send out the call and ask family, friends and clients to send me some thoughts about Ken. I think you can appreciate the lines between his relationship with people may be blurred. Some said this was nothing short of challenging.

So let me describe for you what I think Ken meant to you and to me. To begin, 6 characteristics came up time and time again, although as we all can appreciate this is by no means a complete list.

 

My business partner and friend of almost 39 years was...

1. Above all else, a PROFESSIONAL

 

• these lessons were learned at an early age in the CA program from his mentor and founder of our firm Loren Hogg. KNOW YOU CLIENT/YOU ARE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS

• both in his appearance and his conduct

• if something was going to be done, it had to be done right

• he always had respect for his clients; service to them, came first

 

2. Everyone knows that Ken was a LOVER OF SWEETS, actually of ALL FOOD

 

• If Ken wasn't sharing his own culinary creations, he was helping himself to yours (offered or otherwise)

• left-over pizza was on the breakfast of champions for Ken, but really anything even marginally edible was on the menu for Ken

 

3. Ken was FUN LOVING, and always APPRECIATED A GOOD LAUGH

 

• water gun fights, removal of door handles so people couldn’t leave the office were standard fare; running the wrong way on escalators or throwing buns at business events…..he did it all.

 

4. Like many Canadians, Ken was a SPORTS ENTHUSIAST

 

• Bill alluded to his cycling, Ken also loved, boating, tennis and golf and was an active participant ---unfortunately for him actual participation always seemed to end up with a trip to the hospital and stitches

• NEVER GIVE UP

• He also enjoyed hockey, baseball, football, and other competitive sports but as an observer

5. Ken was a TIRELESS VOLUNTEER

 

• there is a long list of organizations that Ken was involved in, a few include: Toronto Board or Trade, Innovator's Alliance, Huron College at Western, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, Canadian Power & Sail Squadron and the Lung Association.

• each organization received his undivided attention and devotion

• The time he took to prepare for meetings was unmatched --- he was always prepared.

 

6. Finally, Ken always showed LOYALTY & DEDICATION to those around him

 

• as a business partner, you could not ask for anything more

• We often assessed our relationship with the following question: if you were in a boat that had only 1 life jacket, who would you want to be in the boat with?

• Ken and I shared that boat until February 18th.

 

Some say for all that Ken went through, the end of his life was unfair - but I'm not sure that Ken would agree.

Ken developed a sense of optimism that was second to none about 1.5 years ago. He knew there was a health problem and while he was frustrated with the length of time to diagnose; from that time his mental picture changed to have a sole purpose -  what can I do to beat this? I don't think it's a coincidence that this came as he began to spend more time with his sister Joanne, his care-giver Elena and his close circle of relatives and friends. I know how much Kristine, Kate and Kevin appreciate the fact their mom changed her life direction to support her brother on his journey with lots of ups and challenges. I know this helped him focus on the future.
 

So here is what I think Ken would say to us today:

 

• I've had a year and a half to prepare for the fight of my life

• I was able to focus on exercising, and be prepared for surgery

• I was able to spend time getting to know my family, including my sister Joanne and her children, their spouses and their children, even better

• I spent more time with friends

• I didn't have to be concerned with life's other challenges and distractions

 

Although it took 2 dry runs, Ken finally got 'the call' on December 3rd for his lung transplant. He went into that surgery knowing that he had done everything possible to prepare and be ready. After the surgery, Ken didn't remember the trials of ICU, although we can remember him there very true to form... throwing sponge balls at people and creating some havoc. One thing he did remember was getting a job at Tim Horton’s and laying on his back…no doubt need the donut machine. OH THE POWER OF DRUGS!

In the step-down unit, Ken started to get back to work—walking, biking, climbing steps and lifting weights. He even tried to organize the nursing and doctor's schedules to improve efficiency. Unfortunately they did not take his advice, but probably should have.

As Ken passed his final test and learned how to swallow on his own once again, he was finally released from the hospital. He moved into his downtown condo with Joanne and Elena. His recovery continued to gain momentum, he had begun post-op physio and to plan for the time ahead. He was thinking about the summer - would he be golfing, when would he get back on the bike, who could he visit with next for coffee (and more importantly a donut)... when could he get back into the business of helping people professionally and personally with advice and guidance as he had been doing his whole life.

So as we get ready to say goodbye to Ken, I want to use some words of his friends to paint a lasting picture:
 

• As professional as Ken was, I think he was really about fun and optimism. His positive, reassuring attitude made people feel better.

• Kenny Baby was always generous, whether with a surprise small gift, or his time to help with anything big or small.

• Ken had such an infectious giggle that you couldn't help but go along for the ride. You would laugh so hard that afterwards you couldn't talk for a good five minutes (or more)

• Ken was a warm-hearted and sincere friend. We can all learn from his spirit, zest for life and ultimate courage.

And from his family:

 

• we called him Uncle Ken but in truth he was so much more. He will forever be remembered as our Cheerleader, #1 fan and team player at the crazy Shain gatherings.

• His love for his Great nieces and nephews was undeniable as he would dress up and hunt for treasures at Brett’s and Emma’s birthdays.

• His true love and devotion to our family was immeasurable.

KEN WAS MANY THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE…..
GOOD BYE MY FRIEND, WE WILL ALL MISS YOU!