LOCAL LEGEND KENNETH WELSH REMEMBERED

ICONIC CANADIAN ACTOR DEAD AT 80

Sandford's own Kenneth Welsh is being remembered for his acting roles, his wit and his friendship.

The Canadian acting icon died peacefully at home on May 5 at the age of 80. His son, Devon Welsh, announced his passing on Twitter May 7.

"I will always love him beyond words," Welsh wrote. "He lived a wonderful life, he was the best father I could have asked for, and he touched so many lives. Please make a toast, watch a film/tv show he was in, celebrate a giant of acting."

The prolific actor is well known for his role as the villain Windom Earle on Twin Peaks, extensive movie credits including The Day After Tomorrow and a prolific stage career with a focus on Shakespeare.

Locally, he is remembered as much more.

"Ken's contribution to our community will not be forgotten," wrote Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton of the Sandford resident in a tribute post. "Please take some time to watch some of his incredible work especially all things Shakespeare. Ken was in 100s of movies, plays and TV shows and his work will live on forever."

An outpouring of tributes on social media touched on Welsh's wit, his friendship and his legendary acting abilities.

"There have been many posts about Ken in the past 24 hours. About his incredible acting skills, his kindness, his contributions to our community. I echo all of those.

But Ken was also a friend. And in that, as in all aforementioned, he excelled," said Shelley Macbeth, owner of Uxbridge's Blue Heron Books, in a tribute.

She recalled Welsh's numerous readings performed at the store, bringing to life the words of literary giants including Margaret Atwood, Lewis Carroll, Dr. Seuss and more.

"Ken always showed up for me and made me smile and so today, I will quote from our shared hero: To me, fair friend, you can never be old. — Sonnet 104, line 1."