Kenneth David Yates, a man defined by his devotion to family, his dedication to public service, and his cheerful approach to life, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born on July 31, 1943, in Cornwall, Ontario, Ken was the beloved son of the late Kathleen and Ernest Yates. He grew up in Cornwall Ontario, graduating from Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School (CCVS).

A Distinguished Career
Ken's entire working life was spent serving the public at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). He began his career as a surveyor, where he played a pivotal role in building many of the roads and bridges that facilitate travel throughout the Toronto region, especially throughout highways 401 and 427. He eventually rose to a position overseeing local MTO yards, where he was responsible for ensuring the safety and maintenance of the region's roads. Ken loved his career and was deeply proud of his contribution to making Ontario's roads safe for everyone.

A Life of Love and Adventure
Ken welcomed his daughter, Christine Kathleen, in November 1969. He was, and remained for all of his days, Christine's very first best friend. In the early 1990s, Ken met his true companion, Grace Brewster, a colleague at work. They were married in Toronto in 1993. What followed were 33 years of bliss, love, and laughter. They shared a passion for gardening, cooking, and travelling, and together they had an eye for design, culminating in the creation of their retirement dream home at Daysprings Circle. A better match was never made: Grace maintained the style and order of life, while Ken dreamed up the next wild idea and adventure they would undertake together.

In his later years, as Ken's health became challenging, he truly cherished his family relationships and time spent with friends. He enjoyed solving the world's problems with Peter on Sundays, looked forward to Ann-Marie's weekly calls, and happily spent almost every day playing cards with Carm and Mary.
His message about life was always simple and true: "Do the things that you enjoy and make sure you are happy."

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Grace Brewster Yates, and his loving daughter, Christine Preston, and her husband, Rick. He was a treasured grandfather who will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Ian and Willow. He also leaves behind his sisters, Eleanor Marshall and Carolyn Wolff, and his nieces and nephews: Janet (Marshall), Andrea (Hum), David Wolff, Ian Marshall, and Alan Wolff.

Ken's kindness, sense of humour, and enduring love for his family will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Brampton Ontario, with internment at Meadowvale cemetery at a future date.