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
Lynne I am so sad for you and your family. Although I did not really know Ken my late husband Brian always had kind words of praise for him. His soul will always be with you.
Marg
From my time on ATHABASKAN when he was the Captain, to the discovery and recovery of the Vietnamese refugees in the South China sea, to the time he was giving me, as a Chief Engineer, pointers (and some of his secrets) on shiphandling at NOTC, this fine officer was a leader that personified the term. Ken Scotten was not only a fine man, but a fine example. Fair winds, Captain, you stood a hell of a watch. My deepest sympathies to the Scotten family
So many good memories of the times our careers brought us together at sea and ashore. Always enthusiastic and devoted to the Navy. So much fun to be with. His legacy will impact generations of sea going officers.
Dianne and I offer our condolences to Lynne and family
Who could look at that wonderful picture of Ken and not smile even in this time of great loss? And what a loving tribute to a consummate Naval Officer who through his strength and sensitivity was an inspiration to so many. Our deepest condolences to you Lynne and your family. Know that the only thing greater than the grief you are feeling now is the love you have for Ken. That love will carry you.
Capt(N) Scotten…a legend..to Mrs Scotten and family…thank you for lending him to the Navy…he is and will forever be the “trademark” on what it is to be a great Commanding Officer and a sailor…the flagship standard…fair winds and following seas..
FARQUHAR–O-23036-LOC./1/SER/2 —LYNNE AND THE ENTIRE “SHIPS COMPANY”
“AN ODE TO A CHAMPION”
WORDS AND WELL WISHES,SOMETIMES FALL SHORT ON SAD OCCASIONS
BUT THIS FELLOW CADET,WOULD LIKE TO PUT HIS” OAR IN” AND REMISS WITH A COUPLE MOMENTS FROM YESTER-YEAR
SENIOR CADET SCOTTEN ALONG WITH “LAND LUBBERS”-PAQUETTE, LUND, MCCULLOCH, LOTT, FARNELL, & FARQUHAR BOARDED H.M.C.S.NEW GLASGOW
AND SAILED OUT OF ESQUILMALT,ON A 3 MONTH “GET AWAY”
AS I RECALL ,SCOTTEN WAS THE ONLY CADET THAT DIDNT HEAD FOR THE RAIL,ON THE FIRST LEG TO PEARL HARBOUR (POETIC LICENCE )
THE SIGHT OF PACIFAC BLUE AND PALM TREES–WELL LETS SAY “YOU JUST HAD TO BE THERE “!!
LEST WE FORGET THAT NIGHT -“OH WHAT A NIGHT”
THE SCOTTENS HOSTED A GARDEN PARTY,AT THEIR QUAINT HOME AT THE FOOT OF THE PLAYING FIELD AT H.M.C.S. VENTURE– THEIR BACK YARD A- LYNNE GARDEN -THEIR FRONT YARD ,WAS THE PACIFIC OCEAN !!
THE “FELLOW VENTURIANS”—59-61,WERE GIVEN EVERYTHING FROM SOUP TO NUTS-OUR SURPRIZE GUEST OF HONOUR WAS C.P.O. “FRANK BODY”-OUR DRILL SEARGENT,WHO GREETED US CADETS,WHEN WE GOT OFF THE BUS,ON THAT FATEFULL “DAY ONE”- REYNOLDS WAS GIVEN 20 LAPS–FOR LOOKING SO YOUNG !! A NIGHT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!
SO,THIS IS BUT TWO OF MY MEMORIES TAKEN FROM MY MIDSHIPMANS JOURNAL
YOU BOTH HAVE CARRIED A TOURCH OF TENDERNESS AND COMPASSION
“BRAVO ZULU”
“ENOUGH”
IF ANY OF US COULD HELP AND “PICK UP THE SLACK”-YOU KNOW WE ARE ALL THERE IN SPIRIT
YES-BODY HAS SET SAIL–BUT HIS SOUL HAS STAYED ASHORE,FOR ALL TO LIVE BY.
SO FOR ALL OF YOU — HERE ON THE JETTY———-“CARRY ON “
My condolences to the family. I would not be where I am today without Mr. Scotten’s guidance.
Our Condolences to Lynne and family
Barbara Aberg and Kathy Good
I have many fond memories of my former shipmate and friend Ken and wish Lynn and family all the very best in this time of sorrow.
Sincere condolences, Gary Garnett
You were a great leader and outstanding mentor at an early and crucial time in my life. Thank you, Sir. Fair winds and following seas.