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
Dear Lynne and family
I was devastated to learn about Keń´s passing. Ím sorry we lost touch over the years but memories cannot be erased as we spent a few memorable years together.
Condolences from the Grout family´Noel
I’m saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Clan Scotten and the Navy family both feel the loss. One of the most enthusiastic and gregarious souls I’ve known, he was an example for all us young bucks, he showed us how to…
Even if you didn’t sail with him, you felt his presence. A stellar career with heroic outcomes, to be sure, but best known I think for his big laugh and decency to all around him.
Rest in Peace, Sir.
You were a true humanitarian.
Dear Lynne & Family
So sad to learn of Ken’s passing. He was a true friend – the kind of friend you might not see too often, but one that remains very vivid in memory, held in high regard … for who he was & what he represented. I certainly recalI my service aboard HMCS ALGONQUIN in 1977 as part of the ship’s Sea King helicopter team, as we sailed south & visited various ports in South America. We shared many good visits: I particularly recall the day that Executive Officer Ken and his Brazilian Navy host tried without success to get to their stadium seats in Rio at the Brazil/Argentina soccer match. The crowd was so big, so active, that they blocked the stairs so that they couldn’t get up to their seats! In addition Ken later told of the theft of his wallet by a local bandito as he was jostled in the crowd. His arms were squeezed up, and he couldn’t get his hands down to grab the guy!
Wife Betty well remembers sharing good times with you, Lynne, in Halifax while we were away, and the local Press asking for photo opportunities of you both & your family as you waited for ALGONQUIN to come alongside at Halifax in April 1977.
Your experiences over succeeding years have been so wonderful. Ken was an exceptional Naval Officer and a kind and loving member of your family. Please accept these comments as acknowledgement of the fine respect we hold for him. God Bless.
Dear Lynne and family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of Ken. He and I were colleagues at MARPACHQ from 1993 to 1995. He was an outstanding officer and gentleman. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Best Skipper I ever sailed with. Our time on Provider is deeply imbedded in my heart. Fair winds and following seas captain.
Dear Lynne. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Ken. In the mid 90’s we were neighbours in Esquimalt dockyard, living in lovely PMQ on the water front. Ken took us on a fishing trip and we came back with 4 large salmon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.
Eyes wide open in awe of everything before me. A shy Indigenous pip squeak who ventured past the borders of her reserve in northern Ontario, who didn’t even know we had a Navy…or ships…or Captains. But you were mine. And I was blessed with memories that I can never reproduce again, as many who sailed under your leadership will say. Captain, my Captain…in my language there is no “good bye”….’Baa maa pii’…until I see you again. So until the next banyan on that flight deck, Rest in Peace Sir.
Lynne, Michael, Jennifer and family, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. He was one of my favourite COs and during my 13 months as CombatO in PROVIDER under his command, I learned a lot from him and of course got to meet the three of you. I will always remember him with fond memories. God bless you all.
Dear Lynne, we are so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. The many emails show what a wonderful man and officer he was. We are glad we had the recent class gathering where we shared time with both of you. We hold you dear in our hearts. Love Margie and Don.