Ken passed away on May 11, 2012 at the Trail Regional Hospital. He was born on July 2, 1931, the fourth of five sons, to Elma and Robert Steele who were farming one mile south of the village of Antelope.
At 18 years old, Ken came to BC to work for Base Metal Mines with his brother, Bob, near Field.
He met Joan Curwen who he married on April 4, 1953. They raised three children, Nadine, Linda, and Cathy living first at the Mine Mill outside of Salmo, then downtown Salmo, and finally Rossland.
Ken worked for West Kootenay Power as an electrician, eventually purchasing Herman’s Electric, located in Trail. After working on major contracting jobs, such as Waneta Plaza, he moved to Calgary to work as a real estate agent where he lived for many years with his second partner, Jean Miller. Ken and Jean ran a badge making company out of their garage and owned a key/lock business. For 8 years, Ken also was a volunteer driver for the Cancer Society.
In 2009, Ken returned to live in Castlewood Village, Castlegar, to be closer to his children and brother Bob. Ken passed away at the age of 80.
Ken’s ashes will be taken by two of his grandchildren to be spread on the Irish farm where his father was born. Left to mourn his death are his three daughters, Nadine Steele, Linda Prough (and husband Alan), Cathy Fulcher (and husband Peter), eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers, Harry and Bob Steele, and many nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by two older brothers, Stan and Fred.
Friends of Ken are invited to attend his Celebration of Life to be held at 2 pm on July 7 at the Castlegar Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Society.