August 18, 1929 - November 29, 2018
Ken passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side at the age of 89.
Ken is survived by his wife of 35 years, April and his children Coleen (Dave), Jennifer, Michelle and Scott (Elena); his granddaughter Emily (Marc), grandson Sam (Arissara); grandchildren Graydon and Ridley and great grandchildren Tavis and Maja. He was predeceased by his daughter Kirsten in 1988.
Ken was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was a Pattern maker by trade. After moving to Ontario, he had a successful career working as an estimator in the construction industry. Ken spent many years in the Kitchener Waterloo area owning and operating Whitman Contracting. In 1981 he moved to Orillia and helped launch a new construction company, Michael Monteith Enterprises, as Chief Estimator and consultant. He enjoyed his relationship with the company for many years before retiring to BC.
Ken loved both coasts - his native Nova Scotia and his home in BC. Ken and April moved from Ontario to Qualicum Beach in 1995 where they met wonderful friends and had a beautiful life together. He loved the outdoors and all the adventure that our surrounding ocean and forests offered, and could often be found hiking, canoeing, camping and playing tennis. Ken had a quick wit and fantastic sense of humour. He always made us laugh, even with jokes we heard many, many times before. He loved to play the piano and could occasionally be persuaded to entertain friends. We are grateful that so many of his lifelong friends from Ontario came to visit in the last year of his life. Ken cherished the moments with family and friends and was so happy to have enjoyed one last summer in their lovely backyard. Ken loved life and fought to the very end. He will be very deeply missed.
Our family would like to say a very special thank you to Dr. Susan Hunter and the Oceanside home care nurses for their tremendous support and compassionate care throughout this journey.
In keeping with Ken's wishes there will be no funeral service. The family will plan a celebration of life for Ken in the new year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oceanside Hospice Society info@oceansidehospice.com
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca.
