Obituary of Kenneth Nelson Rolston

It is with much sadness that his family announce the death of Kenneth Nelson Rolston of St. Marys.Ken passed away peacefully on April 6 at his home. During his brief illness, he was blessed to have the opportunity to say goodbye to his family. His final days were filled with laughter, hugs and tears.For over 60 years he was the beloved husband of Patricia Gail (Taylor). Cherished father of Steve (Andres) of Hamilton, Scott (Christie) of Stratford and Sarah (Jason) of Bracebridge. Loving grandfather to Adriana (Stephen), Nadine, Cole, Max, Taylor and Ethan. He will be missed by step siblings Shirley Rice of London, and Mary (Jim) Dougal of Stratford. Predeceased by step mother Helene (nee Thompson) step sister Ruth Jackson & step brother Robert Thompson. He was brother-in-law to Geoff Taylor (Janice) of London. He will be fondly missed by many close extended family and friends.Ken was born in 1938 to Nelson Bain Rolston and Wilma Marie Catherine Moffatt and grew up on the family farm in South Blanchard, attending the local schools. He swept Pat off her feet in London at a dance in 1959. He and Pat were married in 1960 and never looked back, forging a lifetime of love and devotion. He began his working career with Canada Cement Lafarge in Woodstock, became a licenced millwright, where he worked for 33 years before retiring at age 53. He also became a fulltime farmer, taking on the Rolston homestead when the family moved from Ingersoll to St. Marys in 1973 after the death of Nelson. Later he would be employed by the Town of St. Marys and everyone would see Ken driving the Zamboni at the arena. He loved spending time at the arena watching the Lincolns play with a pocketful of peanuts. Ken and Pat enjoyed many years refining the game of golf, first at Science Hill Country Club and later years at St. Marys Golf & Country Club. and will be greatly missed by his weekly golf buddies, staff and anyone that joined him in a round of golf in the morning. He had the opportunity to take pleasure in worldly travels. He and Pat took numerous trips to destinations abroad but mostly a good car ride through the Perth countryside reminiscing gave him great gratitude.To say that Ken loved music was an understatement; it was a great passion that followed him where ever he would go. The Half Tones, will be at a loss without his guitar in concert for many to appreciate. Ken donated his time to local charity, the Alzheimer’s Society, with the walking program & VON. He even built bike stands for the St. Marys Library. Ken was an avid gardener and the envy of his prized tomatoes and asparagus patch. He loved to fish with his buddies and never turned down a good fish fry.Many thanks to Dr. Hepburn and his medical team and especially to the Nurses at Home Care Partners who will miss “Dr Ken” during their weekly visits to the homeThe funeral arrangements are entrusted to Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home in St. Marys. A private family graveside service will be held at the St. Marys Cemetery, at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Friends of the St. Marys Public Library, Salvation Army or the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation.