February 15, 1931 – April 17, 2020

The trout in Nimpo Lake had reason to celebrate. No longer would they have to worry about Ken’s annual relentless pursuit of them.

Born in Cranbrook and lived in Lumberton until the family moved to New Westminster. After graduating from Duke of Connaught High, he became a telegraph operator for CPR, then started a long career for B.C. Tel in Burns Lake where he met and married Colleen Zielke in 1954.

They had two children Beth and Brett.

Ken’s work moved him to Mission, Riondel, Invermere and then Cranbrook. A baseball/basketball enthusiast, he volunteered as a Little League coach as well a basketball ref. He continued to play slow pitch in the Old Timers League in Arizona where he wintered in his retirement years.

In Inveremere he became an Alderman and was an instigator on having the arena built. This is where he became an avid jogger and a later granted a stretch for the Olympic Torch Relay for the ’88 Calgary Olympics. At this time he also became a Mason and later a Shriner. He loved participating in the parades on the drumline and especially on the bikes.

Sadly Colleen passed in 2001.

A great outdoorsman, organic gardener, hunter and fisherman that evolved into becoming a Big Game Guide and fishing guide on the Banksland surveyor. In his later years he lived in Penticton and married a highschool friend Diane Matheson. They eventually moved to Merritt.

Ken passed away peacefully in the Nicola Valley Hospital surrounded by family members.

He leaves behind his daughter Elizabeth Portman (Simon), son Brett Wood (Colleen Schwab), grandson Ian Kassian (Chantelle) and great grandson Lincoln Kassian.

To express condolences, please visit Merritt Funeral Chapel.

• Date : 2020-04-17
• Location : Merritt, BC