Tribute

– Ken Maddison passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Sunday, April 8th, 2012.

Born in Vancouver in 1940, Ken graduated from Gladstone Secondary as Student Council President. After studying at UBC, Ken became a chartered accountant, and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia (FCA), the profession”s highest honor. He retired as a senior partner of KPMG after 31 years in public practice.

Well respected in the business community, Ken served as a Director of several public companies in Canada and the United States. He also served as President of The United Way of the Lower Mainland, and as Chairman of the North Fraser Harbour Commission.

Ken”s love of people and public service led him to positions of leadership in many other community organizations as well: Director of Sports BC; Chairman & Commissioner of Burnaby Parks & Recreation Commission; First Vice President of the Pacific Coast Association of Port Authorities; Elected Life Member of the Pacific Coast Association of Port Authorities; President of BC Borstal Association; Treasurer of the Canada Summer Games; Treasurer of BC Lacrosse Association; Coach of Norburn Lacrosse Association; Director of New Westminster Salmonbellies Lacrosse Team; Director of Catholic Youth Activities, Vice-Chairman of the National Advisory Council for Fitness and Amateur Sport; Member of the Advisory Council of the Canada China Health Foundation; Financial Advisor to the Child Health 2000 World Congress Exposition; Member of Burnaby Arts Centre Corporate Capital Campaign Committee, Treasurer of Friends of the Forces Historical Society; and Treasurer of the Vancouver Museum Association.

Ken was also a proud Mason and Shriner. In the Masonic Family, Ken was initiated into the Maple Leaf Park Lodge in 1974 and served as Worshipful Master in 1990. He also served as Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge in 1996 and 1997 and was a member of the Royal Arch Masons. Ken became a Shriner in 1984 and joined the clown unit, where he was affectionately known as “Jelly Bean”. Ken served as president of the Clown unit, and for over 30 years “Jelly Bean” spent countless hours bringing smiles and comfort to children of all ages at parades and the BC Children”s Hospital. Ken also served as Treasurer and CFO of the Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon and was appointed Treasurer Emeritus in 2008. Ken was a member of the Canadian Shriners Hospital Committee and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Hospital. Ken also was past Camaxtil of “The Q”.

An avid golfer, Ken was a member of the Vancouver Golf Club, and a long-time member of the Terminal City Club (“Birthday Club”). He enjoyed fishing and gardening in the summer, and was “Sparky” at Christmas, illuminating the neighbourhood with beautiful festive displays.

In his dedication to helping and mentoring others, his zest for living, and all his endeavors, Ken was always supported by his loving wife, Elaine. Ken will be sadly missed by all, left his mark on many, and made the world a better place.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, son Mike (Lesley), daughter Dianna, brother Mike (Debbie), grandchildren Katy (Caolan) and Kevin, step daughters Candace (Jan, Christopher, Natalie) and Jennifer (Victoria), and many other family members, who extend a special thank-you to all the care givers and volunteers at Crossroads Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 16th, 2012, at 2 pm, at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont Street, Coquitlam. A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 4 to 6 pm, at the Vancouver Golf Club, 771 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam.

Brother Masons please wear your Masonic Aprons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gizeh Shriners or the Canadian Cancer Society.