In Loving Memory of Ken Mayhew

In Loving Memory of Ken Mayhew

The Brampton community, alongside Canada’s healthcare and philanthropic sectors, is mourning the profound loss of Ken Mayhew, the esteemed President and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation. Ken passed away on March 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership, compassionate service, and an enduring impact on the lives of countless individuals across Ontario and the nation. His passing is deeply felt by family, colleagues, and the broad community whose healthcare and philanthropic experiences were shaped by his tireless dedication.

Ken Mayhew was widely recognized for his strategic insight, unwavering integrity, and genuine compassion. Under his leadership, the Osler Foundation became a driving force for transformative change in healthcare philanthropy, raising essential funds to support infrastructure, advanced medical technology, and innovative patient care initiatives. His vision extended beyond numbers and projects; he was committed to ensuring that healthcare services were accessible, advanced, and responsive to the diverse needs of the communities they served.

During his tenure at the Osler Foundation, which began in 2012, Ken oversaw major redevelopment projects and spearheaded partnerships that significantly enhanced medical facilities and services at Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, and the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. His leadership facilitated the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded patient programs, and strengthened the healthcare infrastructure in one of Canada’s most dynamic regions. Through his guidance, countless patients and families directly benefited from improved services, research advancements, and enhanced care environments.

Ken’s commitment to healthcare philanthropy was built on decades of experience. Before joining Osler, he dedicated more than twenty years to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, where he led marketing, communications, media, and donor development initiatives. Under his direction, the organization consistently raised over $50 million annually, funding groundbreaking research, patient support programs, and advocacy initiatives. His ability to bridge strategic planning with compassionate service defined his career and left an indelible mark on the nonprofit and healthcare communities alike.

Colleagues and peers remember Ken not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his personal qualities. He was approachable, encouraging, and deeply committed to mentorship, inspiring countless staff, volunteers, and community leaders to reach their full potential. His generosity of spirit, coupled with a relentless drive to improve healthcare outcomes, made him a respected and beloved figure in Brampton and beyond.

The loss of Ken Mayhew leaves a void that cannot easily be filled. Yet, his legacy lives on through the programs he nurtured, the institutions he strengthened, and the lives he touched through his leadership and compassion. Families receiving care, staff delivering services, and community partners working to advance health equity will continue to benefit from the foundations he helped build.

As the Brampton community and the broader philanthropic and healthcare sectors reflect on his life, they honor a man whose vision, dedication, and integrity exemplified the highest standards of service. Ken Mayhew’s life was a testament to the power of leadership rooted in care, empathy, and commitment to the greater good.

Ken’s memory will forever be cherished by his family, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives were enriched by his work. Though he is deeply missed, his impact will continue to resonate throughout the healthcare and philanthropic communities for generations to come.