Remembering Kenneth Dawe

Ken and his late wife Eva Kato attended Soulpepper shows regularly since the company’s beginnings at Harbourfront Centre. In a letter from 2000, Ken wrote that his friend would have enjoyed “Soulpepper Company’s Platanov“ which he had seen that past summer. He commented that thanks to “pay-what-you-can” offers he was able to see a number of productions on his limited income while he eased into retirement.  He reflected in this letter, “Fact is, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the good life in Toronto”.

Just before the end of 2020, we received notice that Kenneth had passed away, and had bequeathed $100,000 in his will to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

“Fact is, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the good life in Toronto”.

Ken was passionate about the performing arts and wanted to make a meaningful difference to a theatre company he enjoyed so much. This donation, the largest realized planned gift in the Young Centre’s history, will have tremendous impact and was an inspiring, uplifting conclusion to a very difficult year.​​  Ken’s legacy helps ensure we can continue to welcome audiences to productions and programs at our artistic home. We believe this is a fitting tribute to someone who felt very much at home in the theatre.

To learn more about legacy giving at Soulpepper or the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, please contact gabrielle.peacock@soulpepper.ca