Kenneth Hartin

Kenneth Ercell Hartin, D.V.M.

19 June 1927 – 21 January 2021

“Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of your Lord” Matthew 25:21

Ken Hartin died peacefully at Carleton Lodge, in Nepean on Thursday, 21 January 2021. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Kathleen (nee Smylie) and his dear wife of 15 years, Ruth Dick (nee Risebrough), precious grand-daughter Kaitlin Morris, stepson Brian Dick, parents Ercell and Erma (nee Jardine), brothers David, Don, James and Murray, and infant sister Elizabeth. Lovingly remembered by his children Mark, Molly (John French), Laura (David Tupper) and John and his grandchildren Aenida Morris (Andrew Melvin), Alexander Morris (Tina Frankie), Gregory Tupper (Tanis Greco), Nancy Tupper (Matthew Norton), Amelia Hartin, Rachael Hartin and Matthew Hartin and great grandchildren, Finn and Cooper Melvin, Ella Tupper and Alice and Lucy Norton. Also, remembered by sister Joan (late Arthur Read), brother Barry (Fran), and stepson Gordon Dick (Richard Twigg).

Ken was the second son born on the family dairy farm Lot 17 Con VI of Nepean Township. He attended. S.S. No.7 Nepean on Fallowfield Road, Richmond Continuation School. Ken was the first ever recipient of the Ottawa Lions Club’s “Man of the Future” scholarship which allowed him to attend the Ontario Veterinary College, from which he graduated in 1949. With the support of his life partner, Kay, he proudly served the local community for 28 years from their home office in the stone house at 6019 Perth Street in Richmond. He then joined the Animal Research Institute where he focused his interest on animal nutrition. His expertise was recognized internationally which gave him the opportunity to provide advice in several countries including Thailand, Venezuela, the Netherlands, and Russia.

Community was a priority for Dr. Hartin. He was the Charter President of the Richmond and District Lions Club (1964), and he served as President of the Richmond Curling Club when the current facility was built (1980), an elder in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and was the Chair of the Poppy Campaign of the Royal Canadian Legion, Richmond Branch. A collector of art and antiques, Ken shared his enthusiasm about his collection as well as life in general. He chaired the Antique and Historical Committee of the 1983 International Plowing Match. In recognition of his many contributions, he received Honourary Lifetime Membership in the Richmond Curling Club (1993), the prestigious Lions Clubs International Melvin Jones Fellowship (1994), the Central Canada Veterinary Association Honourary Lifetime Membership Award (1995), Goulbourn’s Roger Griffiths Memorial Citizen of the Year Award (1999) and was made an Honourary Companion of the University of Guelph (2004).

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all who have cared for Ken, including those at Carleton Lodge, Bridlewood Trails and the Queensway Carleton Hospital.

In the context of Covid 19, in lieu of a gathering, please remember Ken in your acts of compassion, kindness and service.

Inurnment in the Huntley Presbyterian Cemetery. Those wishing may make donations to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 910, Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0, or a charity of your choice. Condolences, donations or tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.