January 25, 1945 – August 14, 2013
Ken passed away very peacefully in hospital, after suffering a sudden aneurysm Monday night after spending a lovely evening with friends. Survived by his loving wife, Sue of 30 years; son, Chris (Alisha); grandsons, Gryphon and MacCaleb; brothers, Steve (Dawn Marie), Dave (Carolyn); nieces and nephews, Jeff (Melissa and baby Callum), Jana, Rebecca, Ally and Riley, and various other family members on Sue’s side. Ken was born in Victoria, moving with his family to various Canadian cities as he grew up. He joined Canada Trust in Hamilton in 1965, and spent time in London, Regina and Vancouver on his journey back to Victoria. His last 15 years were as Manager of Victoria’s downtown main branch where there was no budging him. Following his retirement from Canada Trust, Ken became a Financial Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities. Ken loved both careers, and especially loved the people he worked with (Head Office, not so much). Ken and Sue both retired in 2006 and since then have divided their time between their homes in beautiful Victoria and in Scottsdale Arizona, where they have made a second family of dear friends. Our Scottsdale home has been host to many friends and family from Canada. Ken loved his life: his friends and family, golf, music, books, cars, wine, purchasing golf shirts at bargain prices (he had close to 100). In recent years, he and Sue travelled all over the globe, whether to golf destinations or by cruise ship. His favourite spot of all was probably the wee village of Dornoch, Scotland. While working, Ken spent many hours at The Union Club, where he served as President from 2005 – 2006, at which time he was famously quoted by the Times Colonist as having said “If we’re not exclusive, what’s the point?” – a true Ken-ism. After retirement, he spent more of his time at The Uplands Golf Club where he was part of a super group of golf buddies nicknamed ‘CFU’.
A Celebration of Ken’s life is planned for Wednesday, September 4th , from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, at The Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road. Everyone is welcome. We want this to be a light-hearted event so that Ken can watch from Heaven and smile approvingly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or to any other charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Victoria General Hospital, particularly his nurse, Traci, for their kind caring treatment of this darling man. They made a wrenching experience bearable. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
13 Responses
Ken : Going to miss you, Bro’-in-Law.
Sue and family,
I worked with Ken for many years at DS. In fact, we went to Rookie School together in ’96 and then we both bought a home in Scottsdale. Ken, you had so much to live for and left us much too soon. Take care, Sue. My thoughts are with you. Let the warmth of friends, family comfort you in the coming months and years.
So sorry to see Ken’s death announced in the paper. I enjoyed our brief reconnection at Heart to Heart in the spring and never guessed his life would be cut so short. Take care, Sue and I hope our paths will cross again. Sincerely, Pat Hapgood
Dear Sue, our sincere condolences on Ken’s passing.
Old neighbors of many years ago.
David & Lorraine Price.
To Sue, your family and the Rennies
I m Dawn s sister and just wanted to express my condolences. I met Ken many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult moment.
Terri Snell
Sue and Rennie Family
I am Dawn’s sister Karen,who knew Ken from school. My condolences and prayers to all of you.
Gary and Karen Blank
My deepest condolences to you and family Sue,
I have many fond and fun memories of Ken at The Permanent where I worked upstairs and Ken was Manager of the Savings. I remember many employee “Choir Practices” on Thursday evenings where Ken joined us and we had a great break from the rigors of work …Fridays just weren’t the most productive for many of us and he backed us up. Since starting to work at Nesbitt 13 years ago, I had many opportunities to speak to Ken when he called to for Greener and we chatted often about our recollections.
He will be missed but you will have his memories with you always,
All the best …Valerie
Hi Sue and Family:
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Very fond memories of Ken when visiting Victoria ( he called me Cotton Jenny’s mom).
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Dick
We always looked forward to seeing Ken & Sue at our favorite watering hole Manuel’s…Ken always with a smile on his face, and always dancing…Like the rest of us, Ken was no Fred Astaire, but he loved to take Sue on the dance floor because she was his Ginger Rogers…We will miss his smile, and love of life…We love you Sue and hope you will return to Scottsdale soon so we can all hug you. God bless you, and I know Ken will be there in spirit with you on the dance floor In his stylish Bermuda shorts, with huge smile on his face
Love & miss you Ken
Jay & Glenda
Sue, I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength. The time we have spent with those we’ve lost makes them part of us.
I am glad to have been acquainted with Ken and I realize that you have lost a special person.