Joseph Sylvester Kenneth “Kenny” Vezeau
April 3, 1947 — September 16, 2026
Joseph Sylvester Kenneth Vezeau, affectionately known to everyone as Ken or Kenny, passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on September 16, 2026, surrounded by the family and friends he cherished so deeply.
Born on April 3, 1947, in Mattawa, Ontario, Kenny lived a life characterized by hard work, quiet strength, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He was a stubborn man in the best possible way—the strongest man we ever knew. Over the last 15 years, he faced numerous health challenges, yet he overcame every obstacle thrown his way with sheer determination and resilience. Losing his leg 15 years ago may have made him stumble a little, but it never stopped him. Through it all, he kept his trademark great sense of humour, even going out telling jokes right up until the very end.
Kenny was a man of immense wisdom who always had some advice to give—whether or not you actually wanted to hear it—and his guidance, requested or not, was always rooted in love.
For many years, Kenny touched the lives of countless people throughout the city through his work with North Bay Transit. Many will remember his warm smile, his kindness, and the genuine care he put into his job each and every day. Safety was always his greatest priority, and he took his responsibility of getting people safely to where they needed to go very seriously. To Kenny, driving for North Bay Transit was more than just a job—it was an opportunity to serve his community and make a difference in the lives of the people he met along the way.
Kenny could almost always be found in his garage—his little sanctuary, where he loved fixing things, tinkering around, and bringing old things back to life. He was a true car enthusiast who took meticulous care of his vehicles; for years he was a die-hard Ford F-150 guy before later making the switch to his Ford Explorer. Whether he was working with his hands or simply relaxing, he nearly always had CNN playing in the background. As a proud Métis citizen, he also deeply cherished his time in nature, especially when he was out hunting for partridge.
Above all else, Kenny was a family man.
He was the devoted husband and soulmate of Jackie Vezeau (née Bédard). Their love was at the heart of their family and the life they built together. They were true soulmates, sharing a bond that carried them through the joys, challenges, laughter, and hardships of life. Together, they created a home filled with love, family, stories, and countless memories.
Kenny was a loving father to Dave Vezeau (Christine), Kenny Vezeau (Jessica), Chantal Emmell (Dave), the late Richard Michaud, Krista Vezeau-Drouin (James), and Kayla Vezeau. He was a constant source of love, support, wisdom, and—whether they asked for it or not—advice. His children will forever carry with them the lessons he taught, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely.
His greatest joy, however, came from watching his family grow.
Kenny was a proud and loving Grandpa to Jessica, Mariah, Amanda, Kazz, Ella, Joshua, Kaleb, Jacob, and Kenna, and a cherished Great-Grandfather to Zariya. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved sharing his stories, his humour, and his wisdom with them. His family was his greatest accomplishment and the legacy he was most proud to leave behind.
Kenny will also be deeply missed by his siblings Jean McIsaac-Wiitala (Ron), Brian McIsaac (Linda), the late Debbie Lafontaine, the late Brenda Freeman (Gary), Darlene McIsaac, Albert McIsaac (Liz), and Rita McIsaac, as well as Jackie’s beloved siblings and family, who were such an important part of their lives.
He will be greatly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, who will carry their own special memories of him and the love he shared with them.
Kenny leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless stories, plenty of good advice, and a family who loved him deeply. His stubborn strength, quick wit, humour, and enormous heart will never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bill and Laura, and to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff of the North Bay Regional Health Centre, for the compassion, kindness, and care they provided to Kenny and his family.
He will be missed more than words can express, but his love will continue through the generations of family he leaves behind.
Visitation will take place Friday, October 2, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. at Hillside, located in North Bay. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at St. Brice’s Church in North Bay, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to War Amps or the Canadian Cancer Society.
