It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ken Mayhew, the visionary President and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation whose dedicated leadership transformed healthcare philanthropy across Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area.
Ken passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2026 leaving behind a profound legacy of compassion strategic vision and unwavering commitment to improving patient care in one of Canada’s fastest growing regions. His sudden departure has sent shockwaves through the healthcare and philanthropic communities where he was widely respected and deeply admired for his ability to bring people together for a greater purpose.
During his tenure at the William Osler Health System Foundation which he joined in 2012 Ken Mayhew spearheaded major fundraising campaigns that raised over one hundred million dollars to support critical redevelopment projects at Brampton Civic Hospital Etobicoke General Hospital and Peel Memorial Centre.
His strategic approach and ability to build strong relationships with donors community leaders and hospital staff resulted in sustained revenue growth for seven consecutive years strengthening the foundation’s capacity to deliver exceptional health care close to home for more than one point three million residents. Under his guidance the foundation became a model of effective philanthropy in Canadian healthcare setting new standards for community impact.
Before joining Osler Ken dedicated more than twenty years to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada where he oversaw national marketing communications and fund development efforts serving nearly one million active donors and raising over fifty million dollars annually.
This extensive experience honed his expertise in large scale philanthropic initiatives and positioned him as a national leader in the fundraising sector where he also served as Past Chair of AFP Canada advancing professional standards across the country. His contributions helped elevate the profile and effectiveness of health related charitable work nationwide.
Ken received numerous prestigious honours in recognition of his outstanding service including the King Charles III Coronation Medal the Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year award from the AFP Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe chapters and designation as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.
He was also named one of Canada’s 100 Most Influential Leaders and his remarkable career was featured in Peter Mansbridge’s book How Canada Works highlighting his role among the individuals who make the nation thrive through dedicated public service. These accolades reflect the depth and breadth of his influence in both healthcare and philanthropy.
A devoted husband and loving father Ken Mayhew balanced his demanding professional responsibilities with a warm and family centered lifestyle that emphasized loyalty support and quality time with his spouse children and extended relatives. Those closest to him remember his kind heart quick wit and genuine interest in people which allowed him to connect meaningfully at every level from hospital volunteers to major philanthropists.
The Brampton community the William Osler Health System and the broader philanthropic world continue to honor his memory with gratitude and shared stories of how his vision and dedication made a lasting difference. Though he is no longer with us the positive impact of his work will endure for generations benefiting patients and families throughout the region he served so faithfully.
