It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of G. Kenneth “Ken” Smith at Concordia Hospital on October 12, 2017 at the age of 85.
Ken is survived by Mary, his wife of over 64 years, his children, Cheryl, Colleen (Neil), Douglas (Cindy); 4 grandchildren Jeni (Mark), Erin, Kyle and Hayley; great-granddaughters Ashton and Dylan. He was predeceased by his grandson, Brandon, in 2009.
Ken was born and raised in Winnipeg and started working as a fireman for the CPR at a young age. When railways started cutting back in the early 1960’s, he took the opportunity to switch to a career in sales, commencing with Price-Wilson, then MacMillan Bloedel, where he retired from in 1995.
Ken enjoyed watching his home town sport teams, but that didn’t hold a candle to cheering and coaching his son’s baseball and hockey teams while growing up. Summers were spent at ‘Lake Smith’, aka the backyard pool, where weekend pool parties or ‘happenings’ were frequent. After retirement, annual vacations to Scottsdale helped his golf game.
‘Smitty’ was well known for his love of life, and respected for his integrity by all with whom he came in contact. Ken was a devoted family man above all. As dad always said, “It's been a veritable slice of heaven.”
A celebration of Ken’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at John Black Memorial United Church, 898 Henderson Hwy. Private family interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 9Z9 or to the Arthritis Society, Prairie Division, 100A-1465 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 1L8