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Honouring Kenneth Smith

Photography of Kenneth SmithThe Arthritis Society is deeply saddened about the passing on July 24, 2020 of its Past Board Chair, Kenneth Smith.

“Ken was a passionate advocate for people with arthritis and he made a huge contribution towards lessening the impact of the disease on millions of Canadians,” says Trish Barbato, President and CEO of the Arthritis Society.

“Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Cathy, his children and grandchildren.”

Ken joined the Arthritis Society Board of Directors in 2010, serving as Chair from 2018 to June 2020.

During this time, he led the development of the Arthritis Society’s ambitious strategic plan, Accelerating Impact, and made formative contributions to the Society’s governance structure and mission focus.

Ken was particularly passionate about arthritis research and its promise for creating a future free of arthritis. Earlier this year Ken and Cathy created the Launch a Star Research Fund to support young researchers establishing their careers. Ken knew a key to lessening the impact of arthritis was to provide solid and reliable funding to the next generation of bright, research minds.

“Ken’s loss will be felt profoundly by his fellow Board members, the staff and volunteers at the Arthritis Society and by the arthritis community at large,” says Barbato.

 “It is so fitting that his legacy will live on through the Launch a Star Research Fund.”

Anyone wishing to donate in his honour may do so at arthritis.ca/kensmith or by calling 416-979-7228 ext. 3656.

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