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Kenneth William McKinley

October 5, 2005

McKINLEY, Kenneth William

Passed away peacefully on October 5, 2005 amid a room full of laughter,

surrounded by his family who were sharing family stories.


He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years Evelyn; daughter Leanne (Guy); son John; cherished grandchildren Deena, Jarren,

Jodika and Gabrielle; treasured nieces and nephews and many, many wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his sister Mavis. A well

respected and admired man, he gave of himself in many ways. He joined the RCAF in 1942. He became a Registered Architect in 1950

and enjoyed a very successful career at Underwood McKinley Wilson and Smith in West Vancouver until retirement. Not really ready to

retire, he moved to Saskatoon to continue his hospital work before finally retiring in 1988 with a move to Columbia Beach on Vancouver

Island. Here Ken and Ev enjoyed the quieter pace and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. He was involved in Lawn Bowling, and Bridge

Clubs, but his passion was Jazz and Swing Music. A drummer, he played with the “Big Band” in Vancouver from 1967 - 1987 and with the

Parksville Community Band and “Just Us” from 1987-1999. He served on many committees and boards including the Children’s Aide

Society, Hollyburn Country Club and the Architectural Institute of BC. He also was Past-President of the University Club of Vancouver and

a Director of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Board. He loved to tell stories and was never short of a joke. He always made people laugh.


Memorial Services were held at St. Anne’s in Parksville on October 12, 2005


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Anne’s Music Program, 407 Wembley Road, Parksville, BC


His warmth and smile will shine in our hearts always



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