(January 2, 1930 – February 18, 2025)
Ken Hall passed away peacefully at home in Dundas, at the age of 95. Ken was an amazing person, who believed in the power of family, friends and community. He was known to many as a life-long educator, a coach, an environmentalist and a community leader. He leaves an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Ken fought for his education throughout his life – from the time he was delayed being admitted to kindergarten because of his birthdate, to showing up at Delta Collegiate even though he had been registered elsewhere, to working at the CNR yards on night shift while attending classes at McMaster. At Delta in the late 1940s Ken was a star basketball player, known as Spider Hall. He forged friendships there that lasted a lifetime. He attended McMaster University and achieved two degrees – one in Geography and one in Physical Education. He went on to put his formal education to use as he coached championship teams and became a leader in Hamilton’s environmental conservation movement.
Ken spent his career as a teacher, vice principal, and principal, shaping generations of students with his mentorship. As a coach, he believed in developing not just better athletes, but better citizens, emphasizing teamwork and character building. So many benefitted from his generosity of spirit throughout his career with the Hamilton Board of Education.
In retirement, Ken was a champion for the environment, playing a pivotal role in the cleanup of Hamilton Harbour, the protection of the Niagara Escarpment, and the co-founding of both the Bay Area Restoration Council and the Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre. His dedication to conservation helped preserve these vital natural spaces for future generations, earning him recognition as Hamilton’s Environmentalist of the Year in 1996.
His contributions to education, athletics, and environmental advocacy earned him numerous honors. The awards that meant most to him came from those he worked alongside, including the Hamilton Citizenship Award and the McMaster University Alumni Distinguished Service Award. He was also recognized nationally with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers—one of Canada’s highest honors bestowed by the Governor General, and in Ontario for his volunteerism in environmental projects with the Seniors Medal for Volunteerism and the Good Citizen Award. A dedicated Rotarian, Ken was also a five-time Paul Harris Fellow, an extraordinary achievement recognizing his lifelong commitment to service both locally and internationally. In 2018 McMaster University presented him with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his invaluable leadership with the McMaster Alumni Association as well as his dedication to environmental issues in the city of Hamilton. Most recently, Ken received a Senior Volunteer Award for Innovation from the City of Hamilton.
To Ken, friendships were his greatest asset, and he expressed sincere gratitude to those who enriched his life with their camaraderie and support. He mentored not only students but also peers, always encouraging those around him to get involved in the causes he was passionate about.
Family was Ken’s greatest joy. Married to his beloved wife, Joan, for 70 years, Ken was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He never missed his children’s or his grandchildren’s events—whether as a coach, a spectator, or their biggest cheerleader.
Ken was predeceased by his wife Joan (nee Tennant), who passed away in 2024. He is survived by his loving son Cameron (Julia), adoring daughter Cheryl, and his loving grandchildren: Leda (Katherine), Paul (Annie), Chloe (Alex), and Alexa (Alex). He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and former students, and the countless lives he touched.
A living celebration of life was held on February 15th for Ken to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Donations may be made to the Dr. Ken and Joan Hall Bursary at McMaster University.
Rest in peace Ken. I got involved with community affairs and environmental protection of the escarpment and natural areas in the late 1990’s. it was at this time I met Ken and was in awe of his abillity to organize people, understand the issues and his committment to see his goals through. He was always glad to meet new people and was always making a point to say hello to all he knew. The Hamilton Region became a better place to live because of Ken.
Dear family
I am dearly sorry for your loss. Ken Hall was my Grade 8 teacher, at Lloyd George public school, approx 1961. A wonderful teacher and a gentle man. That summer in Grade 8, your dad and mom took a group of boys to their cottage up north for 1 week, then still had it in them to take a group of us girls for 1 week. Your parents made our stay fun and active and truly memorable. In 2013, we had a Fund Raiser for my daughter (Lyme disease) and Ken and Joan came to it. Ken told me that he admired us North Enders, because we tried very hard to make our parents proud. I will never forget his words, and was Blessed to know both you mom and dad.
My condolences and sympathy to Mr. Hall’s family. It was not mentioned but Mr. Hall taught at Lloyd George School on Beach Road in Hamilton. He not only taught classes there but he was the physical education instructor for us lads. He also coached the Senior Boy’s Basketball Team, (circa 1960) It was under his coaching tutelage that Lloyd George school won for the first time the Senior Boys City Basketball Championship. I was the centre on that team.
Mr. Hall was a fine decent man and teacher as well as a finished gentleman.
I had the privilege of knowing Ken and working with them two fronts. First of all as an educator in Hamilton Ken was principal of an elementary school and a secondary school, which is quite unusual. He did a magnificent job in both positions. Ken was thoughtful precept I’ve, and creative. It was a privilege and an honour to have known and have worked with him.
Secondly, I knew Ken because we both had a cottage on the same road on our lake. It was meant the train was an environmentalist. He demonstrated that passion not only in Hamilton, but had a little lower lake. He was president of the great players association, and did his best to persuade people to leave the lake as natural as possible.
I will miss Ken, but I feel it was one of my privileges in life to have known him and worked with him.