There is a quote that goes: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” It is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, although there is debate as to whether those are actually his words. Regardless of where the quote originates, it reminds me of my late neighbour, friend, fellow advocate, and humanitarian Ken Thomas.

Ken was many things. He exceeded expectations, and understood and contributed to the disability community with his unique flair and style. The amazing things Ken accomplished can be seen on his website (www.backwheeler.ca) or in the documentary Catching My Breath, produced and narrated by his loving sister, filmmaker Lorna Thomas which you can watch on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4e86bufy. The film shows determination, Ken’s personality and commitment.

I was honoured to write about Ken and his athletic accomplishments in a previous issue of Boyle McCauley News (“Sports Excellence,” June 2011). I now want to honour my friend and mentor for how much he meant to his friends, the community, and myself.

I admired how unique and innovative Ken was. Witnessing how he modified things to his ability was amazing, like typing with his nose because his hands didn’t work well or using a specially designed foot-operated computer mouse. This was a man who never gave up.

His humour, especially his unique laugh, was comforting. He was a jokester, and we shared many laughs.

Ken was an original member of the Artspace Housing Cooperative and was an active participant on committees, at meetings, and at social events like potlucks. A fond recollection of mine was that on Halloween, Ken always wore a mask of some sort and sat with members handing out candy. We ate more than we gave out!

I was invited by him, a huge sports and music fan, and his family to attend the Folk Fest one year. I sat in the accessible area with Ken and very much enjoyed the music and the company. Ken’s last social outing was at the 2024 EFMF, which was the 43rd time he had attended.

Ken left us on September 16th. Surrounded by loved ones, he was independent until his last breath. I will miss him dearly but will continue to advocate and educate for the disability community.

Ken, we will move forward with the values you taught us all. It was truly rehabilitating, informative, and motivating to have been in your presence.

Ian Young is a columnist and Block Carrier with the paper. He lives in the area.