Passed away suddenly on May 9, 2011 in Victoria, BC at the age of 55. Predeceased by his father, Dennis; Ken is survived by his wife, Bjorg; his children, Monika (Chad), Melissa and Erik; his mother, June; his sister, Margaret (Gordon); many nieces, nephews and extended family. Ken was an enormously dedicated and loving husband and father. He made lifelong friends wherever he went. For over 30 years, Ken built a rewarding career as a manager for TD Canada Trust. It was his nature to put others first and help them succeed. Ken cherished spending time with friends and family, especially over meals and on the golf course. He spent his final days doing what he loved most. Ken was Bjorg’s best friend and his kids’ inspiration and hero. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Monday, May 16 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the BC Children’s Hospital or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
34 Responses
Bjorg,
Ken touched many lives so very positively – yours most, of course, but ours as well.
Everywhere he went was improved by his presence.
Colleen and David Love
Golden, BC
The last time I saw Uncle Ken was a short stopover in Victoria, with a 2 month old Haley in tow – I couldn’t calm her down, but he could! He walked in the door said, “I’ll take her, you eat” and that’s the last I held her that evening 🙂 He was a wonderful uncle with a great sense of humour and will be missed.
I just heard today of Ken’s sudden passing. I worked with him briefly in Canada Trust in Victoria back in 1995. It is sad he passed so young. My thoughts are with you and his many friends.
Bjorg, Monica, Melissa and Erik,
Your Dad (husband) hired me as his Sales Manager for the Cedar Hill Canada Trust branch in 1998. I worked with him side by side for over 2 years. I moved on to a few different roles with the bank however we always remained in touch personally and professionally. You have heard from many people how your Father was a positive impact on their lives. I wish to share with you how he was and continues to be so significant for me.
Your Dad gave me the opportunity to prove myself in a big corporation. As my manager his coaching style was one of leading by example. He gave me guidance, challenged me to be better, gave me license to succeed and at times fail, but always, always, unwavering support.
Over the years Ken and I became friends. In 2006, I started a family of my own. And so, your Father and I had another and far more important bond than our careers, that of being a husband and father. Our frequent conversations revolved less around the business but more of what is so much more important, our family. I doubt M, M and E would even recognize me however I feel I know you. Over the years your Dad has kept me up to date on your schooling your travel your careers. You are no doubt aware you were the center of thoughts, always. I know it brought him joy to simply think about and discuss his family. Just a few weeks ago I was sitting in his office and he gave me the run down on you all. I remember thinking as I left his office that I should go home early and spend time with my kids, because soon they will be travelling and working maybe living somewhere else and I won’t have them there for me when I find the time.
Your Father (husband) was integral in starting what continues to be my fulfilling career. I will always be thankful for that. But what I am going to remember him for and will be eternally thankful to him for is that he showed me what family man can and should be. From my perspective of a friend and co-worker I can think of no other person for whom I had more respect. I can only hope that can come close to being the kind of man your Father and husband was.
Peter Newman