Passed away in the loving care of his family at his home in Rossland on July 20, 2010. He was born December 6, 1920 in Rossland BC.
Ken called the Kootenays home all his life. He spent his youth in Silverton - which held a very special place in his heart; for it was there he connected with Dick Hambly - his lifelong friend of 80 years.
In 1938 the family moved to Trail where Ken began his apprenticeship in 1940 as an Armature Winder with C.M.& S. He retired in 1982.
Ken was involved with sport his entire life, from track to swimming, from baseball and fastball, to Junior, Senior and Intermediate hockey, receiving distinct achievements and recognition in all of them. He played on many Trail championship teams including the Trail Tigers, 1951 Intermediate Smokies and the highly regarded Trail Cardinals baseball club of the 1940’s.
One of his most memorable moments was in 1945 he received an invitation to the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks training camps. Another, in 1952, he was asked to play for the Edmonton Mercurys who became gold medalists in the Olympics, however, he had to decline because he played a season “pro” in the Pacific Coast League.
After moving his young family to Rossland in 1957, Ken spent much of his leisure time coaching and developing Rossland’s young hockey and baseball players. Another of his most enjoyable experiences was coaching the Rossland Juveniles to the Provincial finals in 1967. He volunteered for many years as a minor official in the timekeeper’s bench for the Junior Warriors hockey club and was one of the many volunteers who helped develop Centennial Park as a new ball park in Rossland.
Ken married Barbara Balkovec in 1947 and together they raised nine children. Ken was predeceased by his wife Barbara in February 1997 and son Don in February 2007, as well as brothers Frederick, Edwin and Hartley and parents James and Elizabeth. He is survived by children, Carol (Ray), John, Tom (Daisy), Gary, Betty (Barry), Nancy (Brad), Barb, Gord (Nancy) and daughter- in law Marlene. There are 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
An unassuming, modest and quiet man, he was an extraordinary Dad. He will be greatly missed by family and all who knew him.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 24th at Mountain View Cemetary. Friends wishing to pay respects are invited to the family home in Rossland, Saturday July 24th from 1:00 PM. Bill Clark of Personal Alternatives Funeral Services “Carberry’s Chapel“ is entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 1642, Rossland, BC V0G 1Y0.