Hall Of Fame Inductee

Kenneth Hulford

Inducted into: Builder of the Bowling Industry in 1978

Deceased: DEC

  • Industry

Kenneth “Smiley” Hulford. A name to be remembered. Sadly, Ken Hulford is not with us on this occasion. He passed away at his home in Acton, Ontario in May. He knew he had been selected as one of the honourees for the Builders of the Bowling Industry Awards Dinner and he was looking forward to attending and receiving the well-deserved acclaim.

Ken is survived by his wife, Ruth, son George Arthur of Pickering and daughter Gayle (Mrs Barry Stewart) of Concord, California, sister Mrs. Rene McDermitt of Hamilton, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was one of the founders of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Ontario, which is marking its’ 25th Anniversary this year. He was a director for over 20 years, a past President, past Chairman of the Board and recently was Membership Services Chairman.

He was a member of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Canada, and the Youth Bowling Council. He was a member of the Master Bowlers’ Association, qualified to teach youth bowling.

Ken was well loved and respected in the Association. He was the sergeant-at-arms at the convention, and will be missed in June at his usual post, welcoming everybody.

He was born in England, coming to Canada as a child. The Hulfords were married in 1928 in Hamilton. They moved to Acton in May of 1954 when he bought the business there. He managed bowling lanes at Hamilton previously. He was a former member of the Rotary Club. His business kept him busy and “his heart and soul were in bowling”.

He took special pleasure in the fact that he had four generations of bowlers in his leagues. He was particularly fond of the youngsters in the youth bowling leagues. He attended final banquets throughout the years, the last one the evening before his death. Acton bowling Lanes provided a healthful outlet for children and a congenial gathering place for adults.

Ken wrote a lively bowling column for the Free Press for many years, ending each week with the same familiar words, “That winds it up, my friendlies, so adios, amigos and goodnight, Concord City.”

It’s too bad that Ken is not here with us tonight to enjoy the recognition of the industry he loved so much.