August 31, 1922 - March 9, 2020
Ken passed away peacefully on Mar 9 in Kitimat General Hospital at the age of 97.
He leaves behind many friends and family members who will dearly miss him. Predeceased by his loving wife Sis after fifty six years of marriage, his grandson Jamie, his 7 siblings and his parents Elizabeth and Henry.
Ken is survived by his 3 children: Wayne (Janette), David (Elaine) and Debbie (Jack), his 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He was born in Spillimacheene BC where his Dad worked for the CPR railway. From a young age he was a great outdoor enthusiast and played many team sports. On one of these trips he met Lillian (Sis) who would become his future bride. Early in 1940 Ken enlisted in the Armed Forces and after training in the RCAF was sent overseas where he flew several bombing missions over Germany before he was shot down and Captured.
After 18 months in a prisoner of war camp, he was freed by the Russians and returned home.
He married his sweetheart Sis in 1945 and that same year he enrolled in Metallurgical Engineering at UBC. After graduating he joined Alcan Smelters working at the Arvida plant in Quebec, but soon thereafter he returned to BC where he would startup the first pots of the new Kitimat smelter.
Ken was an active community member and joined several organizations including; Gyros, Masonic Lodge, Yacht Club, Minor Hockey, Cross Country Ski Club, and the Claque Mountain Ski Hill building group to name a few. He was always ready to volunteer his time for a worthy cause. He also enjoyed time at the Lakelse cabin watching the grand kids swim.
In his later years, his efforts went to playing pool and discussing politics at the Kitimat Legion. He lived life to the fullest and will be sadly missed by family and friends.
A special thanks go to Emma and Sarah for taking such good care of him at home. The family would also like to extend their thanks to Dr. Kay, Dr. Skully, Kitimat Fire & Ambulance Services, and the nursing staff at Kitimat General Hospital.
Many thanks to the Legion, Kitimat Masons and Gyro members who helped with his service.