We are sad to announce that Ken died January 21st, 2017, in the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C. Ken is loved and missed by his wife, Lesley, sister Sue (Bob), niece Hilary (John), nephews Mark (Karen) and Fred (Hope), and family and friends in various parts of the world.
He was born on September 10th, 1935, in Groombridge, England, moving to Canada in 1957 after a four-year apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough, and found his engineering niche at Pratt and Whitney Canada in Longueuil, Qc. There he spent 36 varied and interesting years, ending his career as engineer/manager before retiring in 1993.
Ken and Lesley lived in St. Lambert, Qc and spent many happy times at their self-built Panabode cottage on Lake Champlain, Vermont, enjoying building and steaming his boat Pampas in Eastern Canada and the U.S.A., where he made many friends.
Never happier than when finding and working on old British cars, Ken indulged his hobby to the full after retirement, having moved in 1997 to Vancouver Island, where he found the ideal spot and many like-minded friends. “Uncle Ken” was always happy and ready to offer expertise and advice to help others with restoration and other car problems. He joined several car clubs and enjoyed friendships with members both here and in the U.K. As he became unable to work on his cars, four were given to our family and are being looked after and driven as he wished.
Ken’s work with the CRD Parks and other Commissions also meant a lot to him, bringing him into contact with many more friends and colleagues, and he carried on as much as possible until the end of his tenure in December.
The family wishes to thank all the medical and non-medical staff and friends who have cared for and about Ken over the years; your help is greatly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations to any Cancer, Heart or Kidney research organisation, or to the charity of your choice, would be welcomed.
An informal Memorial Reception will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens 4665 Falaise Drive in Victoria, BC at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 2nd, 2017, and we hope that Ken’s many friends may be able to join us. A second reception will be held in Toronto at a later date to be advised.
Condolences may be offered to the family below
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
Dear Lesley
I had the privilege of working for Ken at Pratt and Whitney Canada in PT6 Turboshaft Engines. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ken. May you and the family be spared any more sorrows.
Nick Ngoly
Saint-Lambert,QC
Dear Lesley
We’re very sad that Ken has passed away after your many shared years of happy companionship – dating right back to the Goldsmith days!
Thinking of you.
Much love
Sue and Malcolm
Lesley, I was fortunate to work under Ken from 1985 to 1993 when he left PWC. He was like a walking encyclopedia in that you can ask him any thing at the detail component level to the Aircraft assembly level and he would not give you the answer but would point your thinking to arrive at the answer. This was a tremendous learning experience for all of us as young Engineers We have had vary few people like Ken who took the time to school without scolding us. I will personally miss his smile and positive attitude in guiding us. We have lost a legend
A gentle man, in every sense of the word. I worked with Ken for several years at PWC, and a more accommodating and understanding man, one could not wish to meet. Rest in Peace, Ken.
Hi Lesley,
We got your email this morning. We are truly sorry, but we are grateful Ken is not longer in pain now. When you have a chance to schedule a reception in Toronto later, would you please let us know?
Leo and Trisha
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ken, who will sadly miss him, as he was the kind of person who inspired love at first meeting. I hope you can be comforted by the many fond memories of your time together. So sad not to be able to see him again…
Lesley I am so sorry to lose a good and long standing friend.
He put up a good fight. My prayers and thoughts are with you dear friend.
Love Eileen
Dear Lesley,
Ken was such a lovely man that will be dearly missed.
Sending love and hugs from across the pond.
Dear Lesley,
I worked with Ken on the Juan De Fuca EDC. During that time I was always impressed by Ken’s quiet authority as Chair, by his ability to listen and by his refreshing sense of humour. His contribution to the community was significant: we shall miss his leadership.
Take care,
Betty
Dear Lesley.
As Kahlil Gibran told us, the depth of our sorrow is a measure of the joy that we have known.
I received great joy from knowing Ken.
Big hug.
David