Died peacefully at the Victoria Hospice on December 28, 2008, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on December 8, 1915 and spent his formative years in the town of Success. He was predeceased by his father, Allan and his mother, Marjorie; his sister Jean and infant daughter Barbara. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Ollie of 63 years; his children, Beverly (Jens), Allan and Maureen (Joe); his grandchildren, Stephanie, Cydney, Cayley, Caroline, Ciara, Joe and Nicole along with many nephews and nieces. Ken attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1936. Due to the depression, jobs were scarce and he went to work in the mines for two years at Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He then returned to Saskatchewan and obtained his B. Ed degree. After teaching briefly in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, he enlisted in the RCAF and became a navigator. Ken served approximately 3 years overseas in the UK, Northern Africa and Europe (Gibralter) flying in many Sunderland and Hudson sorties. He returned to Canada in 1945 and married his beloved school teacher, Ollie. They settled in Victoria where Ken resumed his teaching career at Mt. View and Mt. Doug High schools as a teacher and administrator. He was a respected and dedicated educator retiring in 1977. After retirement Ken and Ollie enjoyed many years of traveling, gardening, and bridge socials with friends and family. He was a devoted father and grandfather enjoying many family gatherings with his children and grandchildren. Ken was an active member of St. Adian’s United Church. He also loved sports, playing baseball in his younger years and joined Uplands Golf Club where he was a member for 45 years. Blessed with good health, he was able to golf within 2 months of his passing.
A Memorial Tea will be held at St. Aidan’s United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Foundation and/or the Canada Cancer Society.
“We do not stop playing because we are old. We grow old because we stop playing.”
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