July 14, 1936 - August 10, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Major Kenneth Wallace Casson was born July 14, 1936, in Vita, Manitoba, the eldest son of Grace and Wallace Casson.
He is predeceased by his parents, wife Cecilia (D) Ann, and daughter Michele.
He is survived by his daughter Suzanne, her husband Rob, and grandchildren Jesse, Emma, and Aslyn as well as his brothers Roland, Ron, their families, and Ann's children from her first marriage.
Ken joined the RCAF in 1954 and trained initially as an instrumentation technician before he was selected for aircrew training. He received his Nav/Ra wings in 1957 and completed flying tours with 109 Communications Flight, 437 Squadron, and 435 Squadron, during which he accumulated more than 7000 flying hours.
Later, he commanded a Canadian Forces leadership training school.
Ken was a graduate of York University and the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College. He retired in 1980 while a staff member of Royal Roads Military College in Victoria and was then employed as the Administrative Officer at the Canadian Forces Maritime Weapons Range in Nanoose Bay, B.C., until 1996.
Ken and Ann were frequent travelers to the U.K. and Europe in their retirement, and Ken was a member of the Fairwinds Golf Club until well into his 80s. Ann passed away in 2015, and Ken continued living in their home in Parksville until 2020, when he moved to White Rock, BC, to be near Suzanne and family.
Ken passed away doing what he loved: on a road trip to Nelson, BC, on August 10, 2023. There is a heavy sadness in our home and in our hearts with his passing. We spent time with him almost every day, sharing dinner, a show, and having deep conversation, always with an avid interest in the activities of his grandchildren.
He was a life-long learner, a traveler and an intellectual at heart. His knowledge of the world, his opinions, love of debate, and making friends kept him sharp and engaged.
We were so very fortunate to call him dad, grandad, Ken, Pappy and a dear friend.
Details for Ken's celebration of life will be shared at a later date.
