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Ken Ingham

Ken Ingham on the left

Ken Ingham was a respected physician and a leader in palliative care in Hamilton, but his interests and activities didn't stop at the medical field. Dr. Ingham, who died in May 2003 at the age of 85, used his retirement years to indulge his love for environmental and conservation causes, including those promoted by the Bruce Trail Society and the Conserver Society.

His Will included a bequest for Hamilton Community Foundation's Ed Smee Conserver Society Environmental Fund, which supports environmental projects.

"We are very honoured to be remembered in Ken Ingham's estate," says Carolyn Milne, President & CEO of Hamilton Community Foundation. "He was a man who put his love for his community, and for communities around the world, into action."

Dr. Ingham was a hematologist oncologist whose experience with terminally ill patients led to his interest in, and promotion of, end-of-life care as a distinct and special health care need.

Long-time friends John Frid and Joyce Caygill remember Dr. Ingham as a spiritual man who worked hard to promote the concept of palliative care at a time when it was not widely understood nor supported in the medical community. "He had no bravado, just a sincere, highly intelligent dedication to humanity," Dr. Frid says.

Dr. Ingham's daughter, Sandy, says she and her two brothers, David and Jon, were not at all surprised that their dad remembered a number of charitable organizations, including HCF, in his will. "It's very much in line with his character and we're very pleased. Growing up, it was really cool to have a father concerned about issues like social justice and the environment."

Jean Wheeler, a retired nurse, worked with Dr. Ingham at St. Joseph's Hospital. "He is remembered with great love, respect and admiration. He was kind and respectful - I learned a million things from him during the time I worked with him."