DUGGAN, KENNETH THOMAS
Ken passed away April 17, 2014, at the age of 78, peacefully after a brief fight with pulmonary fibrosis. Loving husband of 54 years of Jean Mary (nee Robinson). Father to Mark, Michael (Michelle) and Kenneth Jr (Marianne). Wonderful “Grampa” to Emily and Jeff (mother Kelly), Hannah and Kenneth III, and Kate and Adam. Son of Julian and Audrey, brother of Jim “Dixie” (Janie) and Maureen.
Ken started his golf career at Scarboro Golf Club in 1954, was Assistant Professional of the London Hunt Club for 5 years, and was Head Golf Professional at Cedar Brae Golf Club (1961-1969) and Markland Wood Golf Course (1969-1993). Past Director of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association, President in 1968, lifetime member of the Association, and Director of the RCGA Canadian Golf Foundation for 5 years. His greatest love was as a teacher of the game, having coached countless club members and many male and female college and PGA Tour players. Selected by the RCGA to form their Player Development Program, in 1996 and 1997 he was Head Coach and Director of the RCGA Development Camps, and twice travelled to Japan with the junior teams. As a player he won 65 professional tournaments, and played in the Canadian Open 12 times.
After retirement Ken continued to be active as a teacher of the game and took an interest in golf course design, including Loyalist Estates Golf Course and as part of the Markland Wood Long Range Planning Committee.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors for the wonderful care in the Credit Valley Hospital Palliative Care. Special thanks for the wonderful compassion of Agnes, Cory and Yvette.
A reception to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on Saturday April 26, between 1 and 4 pm at Markland Wood Golf Course (245 Markland Drive, Etobicoke).
Donations may be made in Ken’s memory to RCGA Junior Golf Development, c/o Golf Canada Foundation, 1333 Dorval Dr., Suite #1, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 4X7; call 1-800-263-0009 or visit golfcanadafoundation.com.
I am sending you my Deepest Sympathy in the passing of your Husband. Unfortunately I never met Mr. Duggan personally but cannot express my gratitude for what he did for Paul in helping him , firstly, in hiring him to work in the Pro Shop at Markland and also in helping him develop into a good person.
Because Paul was able to use the golf course and received many helpful lessons, he became a very good golfer which he continues to enjoy to this day and of course because of Mr. Duggan
May all of your wonderful memories remain in your heart and bring you comfort. And again I extend my Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family at this sorrowful time. You will be in my prayers.
Sincerely and Very Grateful.
Donna Douglas
My sincere sympathy to Jean and the Family. Mr. Duggan was a True Professional, when in 1970 I got into the business at Markland Woods G.&C.C. he became my mentor and taught me merchandising, how to handle situations and to become a good teacher through watching and reading to create my own effective style. He will be truly missed for his Knowledge and Classy Professionalism and the Golf World will miss him. I certainly will miss his style.
Gordon Crossman CPGA, Guelph
My sincere sympathy to Jean and the Family. I got into the business in 1970 Markland Wood G.C.&C.C. and Mr. Duggan took me on for my first couple of years until I moved on. He was my mentor in many ways and influenced me in my teaching skills as who to watch and read to perfect my on style. Always available to guide and answer questions, he was one of the best Professionals to work for and study under whether to display, teach or how to handle a situation. Good player, nifty dresser, a classy individual, a credit to our Profession and will be truly missed. Sorry to say good bye Ken.
Gordon Crossman, Guelph
My deepest condolences to the entire Duggan family. The world is has lost one fine gentleman.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Duggan and family–Besides my parents (Gus & Audrey), both KEN & Jean were a big influence in my early days not only in Golf, but in life too! Playing numerous rounds of Golf with Ken through the years, he took a keen interest in my endeavours and I will never forget his words of wisdom at a young age…”Hang out with the guys who are leading the tournament, not the ones who don’t care as much about the next day”. The many trips to Florida playing Golf and spending time with the Duggan’s AND the ‘French Silk’ pies they would bring to my parents condo on many occasions will never be forgotten. RIP my friend…
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Ken’s Family. I met Ken some 50 years ago in Florida where we were both learning the Golf business. I also played with Ken in a lot of golf tournaments over the years. Ken was indeed a fine player, and a classy individual and one of the best Golf Professionals in Canada and a credit to our profession. Ken will be missed!
Don Renaud, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
My sincere sympathy to Jean and the family.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Ken at MWCC from 1969 to 1981. He was a very well organized, dedicated, and personable Golf Professional. Ken was a very a keen competitor, great striker of the ball, and now that he has met his maker, maybe he will learn to make those 2 foot putts!!!!
He will be missed by the Canadian Golf world.
Bob”Rtee” Heron
Bob
Hope this note reaches you! Been a life time, worked for you at MWGC! You were an amazing boss. Thank you for those great summer days! I should have paid you! Anyway, live in Los gatos CA and Pebble Beach now, but heading up to MWGC to play in their Invitational Member Guest! Haven’t been back in 42 years. And again…… Thank you!
Jack Cuthbert
[email protected]
408-828-6278
Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the Duggan family.
I had known Mr. Duggan, as an assistant at Donalda Club in Toronto and always admired him in the manner that he carried himself as a true Golf Professional. From his immaculate attire, his fine play and the professionalism he showed with everything he did he epitomized what golf professionals should aspire to be.
My sincere condolences to the Duggan family. Ken was a great guy and will be greatly missed by his extended golfing fraternity. Our thoughts are with the family
My condolences to Ken’s family. I have many memories of Ken beating me in many golf tournaments. Ken was always available to help with your game if you just asked. Only birdies Ken. Lars
My deepest condolences to all Duggan family. A wonderful human being and friend.
My deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the entire Duggan family. Mr. Duggan was a wonderful human being and will be deeply missed.
Paul Douglas
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family at this time. I have many fond memories of my golf lessons with Ken as a young teenagers! He will be greatly missed by all his past students!
My condolences to all the Duggan family!
Suzanne Pope