The Brampton community, along with healthcare and philanthropic leaders across Canada, is mourning the profound loss of Ken Mayhew, President and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation. Ken passed away on March 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by visionary leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare for communities across Ontario. His passing is deeply felt by his family, colleagues, volunteers, donors, and the many patients whose care was enhanced through his dedication.
Since joining the Foundation in 2012, Ken guided it through a period of transformative growth. Under his leadership, the Foundation expanded its philanthropic reach, securing critical funding for capital redevelopment, advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies, and innovative patient-centered initiatives. He understood that philanthropy in healthcare was not simply about fundraising targets; it was about enabling equitable access, improving patient outcomes, and building resilient healthcare systems capable of meeting the demands of one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions.
Ken played an instrumental role in supporting redevelopment and enhancement efforts at Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, he helped drive investments in state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded clinical programs, and modernized care environments. These efforts directly benefited patients and families, improving access to specialized services and elevating the standard of care throughout the region.
Before his tenure at Osler, Ken devoted more than two decades to leadership roles with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. There, he led national marketing, communications, and donor development initiatives that consistently generated over $50 million annually to fund research, advocacy, and patient support programs. His ability to align strategic planning with compassionate purpose became a hallmark of his career.
Colleagues remember Ken as a principled and thoughtful leader who fostered collaboration and mentorship. He was known for empowering teams, cultivating donor trust, and building enduring partnerships grounded in transparency and shared purpose. His leadership style combined analytical rigor with empathy, ensuring that organizational growth never lost sight of the individuals at the heart of healthcare delivery.
Ken Mayhew’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his legacy is firmly embedded in the strengthened institutions, expanded programs, and enhanced patient experiences he helped create. His vision and dedication will continue to shape healthcare philanthropy for years to come.
He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but for the integrity, generosity, and compassion that defined his life and work.