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
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.
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.
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!)
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.