Ken peacefully sailed away from the jetty one last time on the 19th of July.
A prairie boy, born in Sioux Lookout to Martin and Gladys Scotten, Ken had his sights set on the sky, as can be attested by his sister Dianne Tennant and his brother Marty Scotten. However, when seeing the sea and Lynne for the first time, fell in love with both at the age of 19 in Victoria.
1n 1959, Ken embarked on his Navy training, fully embracing Venture’s motto – “A New Undertaking, to Dare and Not to be Afraid”. Ken graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1970.
His 56-year naval career was defined by a commitment to service and a profound sense of humanity. As an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, his leadership was recognized and respected. However, it was HMCS Provider’s heroic act of saving 90 Vietnamese refugees adrift in the South China Sea on the 19th of June 1990 that marked his legacy.
As the commanding officer, Ken was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for “demonstrating outstanding leadership, initiative, and dedication. Captain Scotten provided exceptional humanitarian assistance.” This was an honour he shared wholeheartedly with all the brave men and women who supported in the rescue. His thoughts were often with the sailors he served with, and he shared many warm stories from his times at sea, including from the HMCS Athabaskan, his first command.
An innovator and a visionary, Ken led the establishment of the first simulator and training center for naval training in Canada. He loved mentoring the next generation of naval officers. Many of the naval cadets who trained with Ken in the simulator are now commanding officers of their own ships and continuing the naval tradition.
Away from the sea, Ken was a devoted husband of 60 years to Lynne, a loving father to Jennifer and Haakon and Mike and Liz, and a passionate grandfather to Chris, Hannah, Marin, Emma-Jane, and Odin. He was known for his imagination and his ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. His children and grandchildren fondly recall his engineering approach to cutting vegetables and his spectacular 3D cakes that transformed birthdays into unforgettable experiences. The question growing up was not what Ken could do, but what Ken could not do.
In his later years, Ken used his adventuresome spirit to instill a sense of exploration and curiosity in his grandchildren. From backyard camping to making model boats, he ensured every moment was an adventure, a treasure trove of stories that will be passed down generations.
Ken was a beacon of resilience, service, and love. His life’s journey, much like the sea he came to love, was filled with waves of excitement and achievements. He navigated it all with unwavering grace, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire many. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and those who had the privilege of knowing him.
George Bernard Shaw said, “A true gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.” Few fit that definition better than Ken.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain. Your voyage may have ended, but your stories and spirit will continue to guide us.
The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Russell Grimwood, Dr. Sylvia Argouarch, Dr. Chasta Bascu and the BC Cancer Society for their support and compassion. Honouring the request of a humble prairie boy, no service will be held. Ken’s ashes will be scattered in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Victoria Hospice https://victoriahospice.org/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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PO2(ret'd) Pierre Robitaille
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Tina Szabo Loved your sense of humour Ken. I hope you
are up there making them laugh.My deepest
condolences to you Lynne and the family
Tina
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Captain Tony Goode, RCN (Retd) Lynne: My sincere condolences to you and your family. Ken and I were both CO’s of 280 destroyers at the same time in Halifax in the early 1980’s, a time during which our families established a close friendship, connections that continued in Victoria. We also served together again in SACLANT HQ in Norfolk, Virginia a decade later, where your daughter Jennifer was our go-to sitter for our lively sons, Jonathan and Charles. Ken was a consummate naval officer and a strong leader who was loved by his crews both in Athabaskan and Provider. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but most of all by you and your family .
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Dianne Pollock Dear Lynne and all of your family, Sending you my sincere sympathy and condolences. I will be in touch. Dianne xox
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Sharon Gilmour Lynne , Jennifer and family .. Will always remember the great times we had in Norfolk with you and Ken with follow ups at the Base in Victoria . Ken trying to find Jake the Lab at midnight ..Looking forward to meeting you in HFX soon at the Lord Nelson .. Sharon YVR
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Lynn Mason Ken was a superb naval officer. The skills that he possessed, and his natural leadership qualities, made him a standout in any of the positions he held.
It was a privilege to be his friend.
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Margaret Fisher Lynne I am so sad for you and your family. Although I did not really know Ken my late husband Brian always had kind words of praise for him. His soul will always be with you.
Marg
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Doug McLeod From my time on ATHABASKAN when he was the Captain, to the discovery and recovery of the Vietnamese refugees in the South China sea, to the time he was giving me, as a Chief Engineer, pointers (and some of his secrets) on shiphandling at NOTC, this fine officer was a leader that personified the term. Ken Scotten was not only a fine man, but a fine example. Fair winds, Captain, you stood a hell of a watch. My deepest sympathies to the Scotten family
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Russell Moore So many good memories of the times our careers brought us together at sea and ashore. Always enthusiastic and devoted to the Navy. So much fun to be with. His legacy will impact generations of sea going officers.
Dianne and I offer our condolences to Lynne and family
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Bruce and Gina Donaldson Who could look at that wonderful picture of Ken and not smile even in this time of great loss? And what a loving tribute to a consummate Naval Officer who through his strength and sensitivity was an inspiration to so many. Our deepest condolences to you Lynne and your family. Know that the only thing greater than the grief you are feeling now is the love you have for Ken. That love will carry you.
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Mel Lowe Capt(N) Scotten…a legend..to Mrs Scotten and family…thank you for lending him to the Navy…he is and will forever be the “trademark” on what it is to be a great Commanding Officer and a sailor…the flagship standard…fair winds and following seas..
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CADET FARQUHAR FARQUHAR–O-23036-LOC./1/SER/2 —LYNNE AND THE ENTIRE “SHIPS COMPANY”
“AN ODE TO A CHAMPION”WORDS AND WELL WISHES,SOMETIMES FALL SHORT ON SAD OCCASIONS
BUT THIS FELLOW CADET,WOULD LIKE TO PUT HIS” OAR IN” AND REMISS WITH A COUPLE MOMENTS FROM YESTER-YEAR
SENIOR CADET SCOTTEN ALONG WITH “LAND LUBBERS”-PAQUETTE, LUND, MCCULLOCH, LOTT, FARNELL, & FARQUHAR BOARDED H.M.C.S.NEW GLASGOW
AND SAILED OUT OF ESQUILMALT,ON A 3 MONTH “GET AWAY”
AS I RECALL ,SCOTTEN WAS THE ONLY CADET THAT DIDNT HEAD FOR THE RAIL,ON THE FIRST LEG TO PEARL HARBOUR (POETIC LICENCE )
THE SIGHT OF PACIFAC BLUE AND PALM TREES–WELL LETS SAY “YOU JUST HAD TO BE THERE “!!LEST WE FORGET THAT NIGHT -“OH WHAT A NIGHT”
THE SCOTTENS HOSTED A GARDEN PARTY,AT THEIR QUAINT HOME AT THE FOOT OF THE PLAYING FIELD AT H.M.C.S. VENTURE– THEIR BACK YARD A- LYNNE GARDEN -THEIR FRONT YARD ,WAS THE PACIFIC OCEAN !!
THE “FELLOW VENTURIANS”—59-61,WERE GIVEN EVERYTHING FROM SOUP TO NUTS-OUR SURPRIZE GUEST OF HONOUR WAS C.P.O. “FRANK BODY”-OUR DRILL SEARGENT,WHO GREETED US CADETS,WHEN WE GOT OFF THE BUS,ON THAT FATEFULL “DAY ONE”- REYNOLDS WAS GIVEN 20 LAPS–FOR LOOKING SO YOUNG !! A NIGHT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!
SO,THIS IS BUT TWO OF MY MEMORIES TAKEN FROM MY MIDSHIPMANS JOURNAL
YOU BOTH HAVE CARRIED A TOURCH OF TENDERNESS AND COMPASSION
“BRAVO ZULU”
“ENOUGH”
IF ANY OF US COULD HELP AND “PICK UP THE SLACK”-YOU KNOW WE ARE ALL THERE IN SPIRIT
YES-BODY HAS SET SAIL–BUT HIS SOUL HAS STAYED ASHORE,FOR ALL TO LIVE BY.
SO FOR ALL OF YOU — HERE ON THE JETTY———-“CARRY ON “
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Mark Walcott My condolences to the family. I would not be where I am today without Mr. Scotten’s guidance.
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Barbara Aberg Our Condolences to Lynne and family
Barbara Aberg and Kathy Good
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Gary Leslie Garnett I have many fond memories of my former shipmate and friend Ken and wish Lynn and family all the very best in this time of sorrow.
Sincere condolences, Gary Garnett
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Tony Brooks, CPO2 (Ret’d) You were a great leader and outstanding mentor at an early and crucial time in my life. Thank you, Sir. Fair winds and following seas.
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Noel Grout Dear Lynne and family
I was devastated to learn about Keń´s passing. Ím sorry we lost touch over the years but memories cannot be erased as we spent a few memorable years together.
Condolences from the Grout family´Noel
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Roger Girouard, RAdm Ret’d I’m saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Clan Scotten and the Navy family both feel the loss. One of the most enthusiastic and gregarious souls I’ve known, he was an example for all us young bucks, he showed us how to…
Even if you didn’t sail with him, you felt his presence. A stellar career with heroic outcomes, to be sure, but best known I think for his big laugh and decency to all around him.
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Robert Cutbush Rest in Peace, Sir.
You were a true humanitarian.
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LES EAST Dear Lynne & Family
So sad to learn of Ken’s passing. He was a true friend – the kind of friend you might not see too often, but one that remains very vivid in memory, held in high regard … for who he was & what he represented. I certainly recalI my service aboard HMCS ALGONQUIN in 1977 as part of the ship’s Sea King helicopter team, as we sailed south & visited various ports in South America. We shared many good visits: I particularly recall the day that Executive Officer Ken and his Brazilian Navy host tried without success to get to their stadium seats in Rio at the Brazil/Argentina soccer match. The crowd was so big, so active, that they blocked the stairs so that they couldn’t get up to their seats! In addition Ken later told of the theft of his wallet by a local bandito as he was jostled in the crowd. His arms were squeezed up, and he couldn’t get his hands down to grab the guy!
Wife Betty well remembers sharing good times with you, Lynne, in Halifax while we were away, and the local Press asking for photo opportunities of you both & your family as you waited for ALGONQUIN to come alongside at Halifax in April 1977.
Your experiences over succeeding years have been so wonderful. Ken was an exceptional Naval Officer and a kind and loving member of your family. Please accept these comments as acknowledgement of the fine respect we hold for him. God Bless.
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John Challender Dear Lynne and family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of Ken. He and I were colleagues at MARPACHQ from 1993 to 1995. He was an outstanding officer and gentleman. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Al Riopel Best Skipper I ever sailed with. Our time on Provider is deeply imbedded in my heart. Fair winds and following seas captain.
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Bert Blattmann Dear Lynne. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Ken. In the mid 90’s we were neighbours in Esquimalt dockyard, living in lovely PMQ on the water front. Ken took us on a fishing trip and we came back with 4 large salmon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.
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Mar Eng/Ships Diver Bev Pitawanakwat Eyes wide open in awe of everything before me. A shy Indigenous pip squeak who ventured past the borders of her reserve in northern Ontario, who didn’t even know we had a Navy…or ships…or Captains. But you were mine. And I was blessed with memories that I can never reproduce again, as many who sailed under your leadership will say. Captain, my Captain…in my language there is no “good bye”….’Baa maa pii’…until I see you again. So until the next banyan on that flight deck, Rest in Peace Sir.
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Philip Labossiere Lynne, Michael, Jennifer and family, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. He was one of my favourite COs and during my 13 months as CombatO in PROVIDER under his command, I learned a lot from him and of course got to meet the three of you. I will always remember him with fond memories. God bless you all.
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Margie Jacobson Dear Lynne, we are so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. The many emails show what a wonderful man and officer he was. We are glad we had the recent class gathering where we shared time with both of you. We hold you dear in our hearts. Love Margie and Don.
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Gerald Pash Condolenses to all those close to Ken. It was a privilege to make his acquaintance. Later in our careers invite him to be a guest speaker at a citizenship ceremony where I suitable introduced him with commentary about the HMCS Provider rescue of Vietnamese refugees. The story is really quite remarkable. So very sad to hear of his passing. He contributed so much to so many individuals and the navy writ large.
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Steve Foldesi Dear Lynne
So sad to hear of Ken’s passing. As you well know, we were on the same Long Weapons course, I succeded him as CO Provider and for one year prior to our departure for Australia we rented your house. He leaves behind a great legacy and I hope his memory will be a source of support at these difficult times. My sincerest condolences to the family.
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Bonnie and Roger Chiasson Dear Lynne – We met you in Plymouth in 1967. After having dinner at your place, you gave us your spaghetti sauce recipe which I still make to this day. I also use it in lasagna. We are sorry for your loss but know your family will be consolation. Bonnie and Roger Chiasson (PS sorry our paths did not cross more in the intervening years!)
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Commodore Douglas McClean, OMM, MSM, CD, RCN (Ret’d) Ken and Lynne, Patty and I shared the same anniversary- we were one year behind (lol). Our paths crossed many times over 60 years and in 2002 Ken convinced me to become one of the first mentors at the Venture simulator. In the end, I spent 13 years there with Ken and enjoyed every moment, helping him to implement his ideas about how to better train an entire generation of naval officers, including every combat control officer, navigator and commanding officer. What a wonderful legacy he has left behind. Love to Lynne and the family.
Doug and Patty McClean
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Ally Reid I am grateful to have known Ken. His spirit shone bright and strong, and his heart was humble. He was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. He was incredibly eclectic. He made the world a better place through his presence. I am a better person for knowing him.
Condolences from myself, my Dad Mike, and my brothers Chris & Jeff.
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Ted Kelly Lynne,
I wasvery saddened to learn that Ken has been gathered in – My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I recall when Ken arrived at VENTURE. It was evident then that he had ” the right stuff”.
Our paths rarely crossed in the next 20 years until we served in the same squadron on a trip to South America, when we renewed our acquaintance. He will be remembered as one of the genuinely top notch naval officers of our era and a very fine human being.
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Colonel(ret’d) Stan Brygadyr, a Venture Aviator Many condolences to Lynne & family; our meeting at Staff College and on occasions in retirement were always a pleasure, especially to enjoy Ken’s good humour.. His reputation is legion in transferring his long experience and extensive knowledge to the young officers in training at NOTC in a most professsional manner, a task in his retirement which was such a valuable continuation of his service to country. RIP.
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Brenda Quin Lynne and family
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed chatting with you and Ken. You were so fortunate to be with someone you loved for so many amazing years. He will be truly missed.
Brenda Quin
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Kevin Greenwood Ken, you were a great mentor to me and so many others in the Navy. I remember well your positive influence and I am sure may other sailors share the sentiment. Fair Winds and Following Seas; my very best wishes and condolences to the family.
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Duncan “Dusty” Miller Sympathy and condolences to Lynne and family losing a one of a kind gentleman and very professional naval officer. While we did not serve in the same ship it was easy to notice his great smile and energy in his very auspicious career and we met on several occasions. He was larger than life and a superb Captain. He indeed left a fine Naval legacy and will be missed.
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Dennis Noonan I never had the fortune of meeting Ken. However, I do feel a sense of this man’s strength of commitment, success, and compassion, in time spent with his son Mike. My condolences to each and everyone in this family.
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Mary Tennant Thank you for sending the lovely obituary for Ken. He was such a sweetheart I know you will all miss him. Lynne, I am thinking of you as it is such a loss. Take care,
Mary
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Kenneth Nason A wise man once said:”What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Bravo Zulu Ken for a life well and honourably lived. You were simply an amazing human being who richly deserves our admiration and thanks.
My sincere condolences to Lynne, Jennifer, Michael and family.
Respectfully,
Ken Nason (Ken’s Executive Officer in HMCS ATHABASKAN)
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Anne Russell We feel privileged to have known this true Canadian hero, a deeply loved family man and congenial neighbour and friend. We wish his family much peace and comfort.
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Cadet Farquhar & Heather Honoring Ken and his entire “ship’s company”.
“The Lay of the Last Minstrel”—Sir Walter Scott
The way was long, the wind was cold
The minstrel was infirm and old
His withered cheek and tresses gray
Seemed to have know a better day
The harp, his sole remaining joy,
Was carried by an orphan boy
The last of all the bards was he
Who sung of border chivalry
No longer courted and caressed
High placed in hall – a welcome guest
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Joe and Joan Paquette We all met shortly after we stumbled off the bus onto the parade ground at HMCS VENTURE. Our ages ranged from 16 to 20 and we were there to learn to become Naval Officers. Our bonding started then and continued until we passed. Training together, living together, sailing together … we all grew. In any group of young men there are cliques and those who uniquely are true to themselves. The latter become leaders by nature, trusted and admired by all. Ken was one of these. He supported the weak but could face up to the strong. We are better for having him in our lives.
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Earl Alexander Marsh Thank you for all the great childhood memories Uncle Ken. My condolences to everyone in the family.
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Cindy Mar Sending all my love to all of you. I am so blessed to have known your dad and shared wonderful memories with all of you in Ottawa, Victoria, sailing on the Pacific. What a beautiful life lived.
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Helen Mccarter Sincere condolences to Lynne and family.Ken’s life is one to be celebrated he will be missed by many colleagues and friends.
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Sue Lightford My heart goes out to you all and Im sending love
I remember joy when I think of Ken… seeing him in a room his beautiful smile and sense of… mischievous joy…. Infectious, mischievous joy!
It was a pleasure serving with you Sir at Venture 2002-2006 and 2010-2011. Discussing maneuverswith Lynne and signals with you for the Mars IV program was always both insightful and fun.
Thank you for everythind I’ll miss you at lunch at the Leg.
Fair winds Sir