Kenneth David Akers

After a brief illness with Pancreatic Cancer, Ken passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Debora Bond Akers by his side. Ken also leaves behind his children, Siobhan (John Speirs) Akers of Glasgow, Scotland, his sons, Ryan (Sandy) Lale of St Thomas and T.Jay Lale of London. Grandfather to Tyler (Kendra) Lale, Hallie Ellen and Max Kenneth Speirs and step grandson Matthew Sprague. Brother to Wayne (Ermy) Akers of Burlington and Cathy (Ian) Ruiter of Churchill, Ontario. Brother-in-law to Craig Bond of London and Scott Bond of Belmont as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his father, Frank Akers (2004), mother, Ellen (2016) and mother-in-law, Donna Bond (2004).

Ken attended the University of Windsor for 1 year of pre-med before deciding to travel to Europe. He backpacked through several countries picking up odd jobs along the way but eventually finding work for several months at Mishmar David a Kibbutz in Israel where he worked as a shepherd. He eventually returned to University where he graduated with a BA and BSW (1977) and an MSW (1981).

Ken dedicated his whole life and career to serving the Children and Youth of Ontario. He held several Director and Executive Director positions including, The Parkhill Girls Home, The St. Lawrence Child and Youth Association in Kingston, The Stratford Association for Community Living and The Huron House Boys Home in Brights Grove, Ontario. He was also President of O.C.C.O.D.A. (Ontario Contract Custody Observation and Detention Homes Association).

Upon his retirement in 2013, Ken and Debbie travelled extensively throughout Europe, Scotland, Canada and the USA. They enjoyed spending their winters (over 30 years) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where they met many life-long friends from the United States, Canada, Mexico and around the world.

Ken enjoyed all types of sports including golf, and baseball but his passion was fishing! The “Gentleman’s Fishing Club” circa 1977 and continues to present day with his buddies from University days…Ken, Steve, Shaun, Paul and eventually JR made it an annual event that garnered more laughs and antics than actually catching fish but that didn’t matter as it kept their longstanding friendship, camaraderie and love for each other intact.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, CNIB, The Canadian Lung Association or London Health Sciences Foundation for Patient Care would be appreciated.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at LHSC including the doctors, nurses and other professionals of the following teams: Medicine, Surgical, Palliative and Oncology. Their expertise, dedication and compassion will never be forgotten. Also, a special thank you to the Home and Community Care Services provided by Ontario Health at Home including St. Elizabeth Health Care, ParaMed Home Health, V.H.A. Rehab Services and the V.O.N.. Deep gratitude to Dr. Kirk Hamilton and Dr. Ed Stack of the Palliative Care team for your care given to Ken during this very challenging time and allowing him both the dignity and comfort at home is so very much appreciated.