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
49 Responses
t’s hard to put into words the impact Captain Ken and his crew has had on my family’s life and I was saddened to have learned of his passing.
In 1990, the HMCS Provider rescued my mom, my aunt and my brother (who was 3 years old at the time). To this day, my mom speaks of him and his wife, Lynne, as the “handsome Captain and his beautiful wife with the beautiful house in Victoria”.
Today, we are all proud Canadians who have been gifted the opportunity to grow our families, start our own businesses, and pursue our dreams.
Thank you, Ken, a million times over, for the beautiful life you have both lived and the extraordinary life you have made possible for
I was saddened to learn of Ken’s passing. We served together at MARPACHQ from 93 to 95. I send my condolences to his family.
Cpt. Ken – We have never met but you have made a huge difference on my family. My mom and maternal grandmother were one of the 90 Vietnamese refugees who were rescued in June 1990. Thanks to you, my mom went to meet my father a couple years later and she had two children – myself as the oldest and my younger brother. Thank you for giving my family the opportunity to be here and thrive in Canada. We thank you for your service.
To Cpt. Ken’s family – Our family shares our condolences for the loss of an amazing person. Although I am writing this two years later, not a day goes by where my mother and grandmother do not think about the opportunities Cpt. Ken have given to my family.
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
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
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 .
Dear Lynne and all of your family, Sending you my sincere sympathy and condolences. I will be in touch. Dianne xox
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
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.