HILL, Kenneth Anthony Stephen August 18, 1927 July 13, 2006 Ken passed away peacefully at home where he was lovingly cared for by his children in his final days. Larger than life, Ken possessed boundless energy, deep compassion, a keen intellect, a strong commitment to his community and friends, and a great love for his family. He gave so much and will be missed by many.
Ken was born, raised worked and lived in Esquimalt for the 78 years of his life. At age 16 Ken began work at the HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt where he worked for 39 years progressing from an Electrical apprentice to Foreman of the Electrical Shop before his retirement in 1982. Ken always had a deep commitment to community service and to Esquimalt Municipality in particular (he was often referred to as Mr. Esquimalt). First elected in 1969, Ken served as an Alderman for 16 years then as Mayor for 8 years. One of his many accomplishments was making the Esquimalt Library a reality. Ken’s contribution to Esquimalt has resulted in many awards of recognition. Ken was made a Freeman of Esquimalt, he received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award from the Lieutenant Governor, and two medals from the Canadian Legion, Esquimalt Branch for community involvement and community leadership. While Esquimalt was Ken’s main passion, he embraced a broader sense of community. Ken was Chairman of the Capital Regional Hospital Board for many years and Chairman of the Health committee that brought in the first restriction on smokers. He also served as Chairman of the Vancouver Island Boards of Health as well as Chairman of the Boards of Health of British Columbia. Ken represented Esquimalt on most Capital Regional District (CRD) committees, chairing many. He represented Oak Bay and Esquimalt on the Victoria Regional Transit System, and was appointed to the British Columbia Transit Board. Ken sat on the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) for 20 years, 6 years as Chairman. Ken always believed that the waterfront should belong to the public and was proud of his work through the PCC towards the development of the walkway from Victoria to Esquimalt, now known as West Song Way. He initiated and was successful in having legislation introduced which compelled large waterfront developments to give the public access to the water. Ken was an active member of the Esquimalt Lions Club for 45+ years, serving many terms as President and initiated many valuable community projects. Ken received the highest Lion’s Canadian award when he was presented with the Lions Foundation of Canada, Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship medal, and also received the Melvin Jones Award. Ken was a driving force behind Buccaneer Weekend, Esquimalt’s main community event, from painting signs, erecting booths, negotiating contracts and for many years serving as Chair of the Buccaneer Committee. Ken worked hard on behalf of senior citizens. For many years he was on many Silver Threads boards, often serving as Chairman. He also served as a volunteer driver and made minor house repairs for many Esquimalt Senior residents. Ken was an active member of the Victoria Senior Citizens Housing Society for over 30 years. Under his leadership he was instrumental in the building of several seniors housing projects, including his last legacy to Esquimalt, Grafton Lodge. Ken was involved in many other community organizations, too numerous to mention.
Ken was predeceased by his loving wife Betty and infant son Brian. Survived by his children, Sharon (Bob) McKie, Stephen (Morag) Hill, Sandi (Douglas) Ferguson, Susan (Irvin) HillLacovetsky, Ronald (Betty) Hill, Brenda (Lance) Lamont. Grandchildren Brian McKie, Shawna McKie, James Lamont, Lauren Lamont, Shatara Hill, Vaughn Hill. Brothers Ronald and Peter, and sister Raney MacPherson.
Funeral services to be held at Archie Browning, Esquimalt Sports Centre on Esquimalt Road, on Tuesday, July 18th at 1:00PM. A reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lions Camp Shawnigan or BC Cancer Society.
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