Ken Robertson passed away peacefully on July 24, 2020 at the age of 92. Born November 7, 1927 in Victoria, BC to Malcolm and Hazel Robertson, Ken lived his early childhood years on Nootka Island and then in Vancouver. His teenage years were spent commercial fishing on the coast in the summers. During this time, he developed a keen interest in forestry, which remained a passion for the rest of his life. On completing his schooling, he joined the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and was on active duty from 1945 to 1960, serving on the Imjin River front in the Korean War in 1951, NATO in Germany in 1953-55, and various locations in Canada. He received a Certificate of Distinction for his service.
Ken met and married Dorothy (Hayes) in Calgary in 1953. Following the completion of his years of military service, Dorothy and Ken returned to Victoria to raise a family. He built a successful stamp business, specializing in British Commonwealth stamps, then ventured into forestry land management. His later years saw him happily active in his managed forests where he worked daily, often in an excavator, until his mid 80’s. In 2008 he earned a long-term forestry award for his commitment to small scale forestry and innovation.
Ken had a strong work ethic, unwavering values and believed that anything worth doing, was worth doing well. He instilled this work ethic in his children. He was incredibly innovative and resourceful, always looking for the next challenge. He had an intense love of travel. Most of all he was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. A man who was respected and admired by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and his three children: daughter, Patricia (John) of North Vancouver, BC, son Warren (Sheena) of Victoria, BC, and son Blair (Nancy) of Victoria, BC, grandchildren Ryan (Sarah), Sean (Dalila), Lauren (Ben), Callum, and Arran and great-grandchildren Katerina, Isabella, Olivia and Hayes.
The family is planning a private celebration of life. Thank you to the staff at Berwick Royal Oak for their care and compassion.
“We will hear you in the tall trees dear Dad and feel your love in the gentle breeze. We will love you forever and always.”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Doug Hayes
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Vince Kennedy Mrs Dorothy Malcolm and family –
I write to express to you and your family the sincere condolences of the Patricias on the passing of Captain (Ret’d) Kenneth Malcolm, CD. The Regiment remember Ken’s 15 years of service, including his time in Korea and Germany, and you and your family are no doubt proud of that service. His name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that list out this November in the Scared Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2020 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section.
Thank you for obviously supporting Ken throughout his service after Korea- especially the 67 years of marriage which is a milestone all in itself, and later in his professional and private lives.
Should someone in the family want to maintain a connection with the Regiment, a gratis three year Memorial Membership in the PPCLI Association is available. Contact Mr Herb Kenny, the Membership Chairman, at hkenny@shaw.ca, for details.
We trust you and your family will remember Ken Malcolm fondly as a soldier as well as a husband, father, grandfather and GGF. Thank you all.BGen (Retd) Vince Kennedy
Colonel of the Regiment, PPCLI
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Bob & Chirs MacDonald Dear Aunt Dodie, Patti, Warren, Blair and Families, we were saddened to hear of Uncle Kens passing. We always enjoyed seeing your car pull in the yard on your visits to Saskatchewan. We know his passing will leave a big hole in your lives, take care and many Hayes hugs for you all.
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John Crawford Warren, Blair:
Parents have a responsibility to be advocates for their children. As an educator, I was confronted by many parents who spoke on behalf of their son or daughter – not all of them politely.
I can say without hesitation that your parents were the most gracious, gentlest, friendliest advocates I met. Of course, they raised fine boys, so there wasn’t much need to talk about issues, which made our conversations even more pleasant. Unfortunately, they did not include your father’s background. He was a Renaissance man, from sea to stamps. And, what an accomplishment, ninety-two years and four great grandchildren. I’m sure he was a contented man.Please give my kindest regards to your mother. I remember her well and always appreciated her Christmas cards each year.
Take care my friends,
John Crawford
Dear Aunt Dodie, Patti, Warren, Blair and Families:
We were so very sorry to learn of Uncle Ken’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of the great family times spent with all of you when you came to visit. Uncle Ken had a very interesting life, well lived. He will be missed.
Love and prayers from Doug, Diane and Family