Obituaries

KENNETH “KEN” PHILLIP VINCENT

Peacefully, after a period of declining health, it is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Kenneth Phillip Vincent of Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 23, 2018 at the age of 91 years.

Ken leaves to mourn his passing, daughter, Bec (Pat); son, Paul (Hilary); son, David (Deborah); grandchildren: Nigel (Heather), Cam, Cal (Brittnay), Cole (Kaitlin), Luke (Kyrie), Kristen; beloved cousins Barb, Irene, Pat and Roy (Nancy); sisters-in-law Marg Duff and Pat Colborne; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Iris (nee Mason) in 2009, daughter Betsey, father Kenneth Sr., and mother, Grace, and in-laws Marge and Marvin Ahlbaum, Rev. Don Duff, and Lloyd Colborne.

On August 10, 1926 Ken was born in Winnipeg and grew up in the Wolsley area in his early life. He attended Wolsley, Laura Secord, and Gordon Bell schools. In 1944 he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. After the Second World War, Ken was honorably discharged and went to Red River Community College. After graduation he worked for the City of Winnipeg as a Financial Officer. He met the love of his life, Iris, at Grand Beach in the summer of 1946 (her family had a cabin at Grand Marais). They married in early 1947 and enjoyed 62 years together.

Ken worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company for many years – in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ocean Falls, Kimberley, and Nelson. Returning to Winnipeg in 1968, he decided he would become a realtor; he was very successful, but missed working with numbers so went to work for Red River Co-op as a Credit Manager. After many years as an Accountant/Credit Manager he changed careers and went to work for Headingley Correctional Institute as a Peace Officer till 1989 when he retired.

Since the 1970s Ken and his wife, Iris, met frequently with friends at Holiday Inn West (the ‘breakfast club”) and, with the attentive service of hotel staff, it was like a second home. Ken cherished these times and was very thankful for the relationships he built there.

Over the years Ken enjoyed camping, cross country road trips, coaching and reffing hockey, golf, and cross country skiing. He played piano but could only remember one song “The Boogie Woogie.” Ken had a great sense of humour and loved to play practical jokes on people.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Stephensen of the Assiniboine Clinic, staff of the Kiwanis-Metropolitan Courts, and the St. James Homecare staff (and in particular Meghan) for their tireless care and support.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. All who knew Ken are welcome to attend the ceremony. Beloved niece, Rev. Lynette Colborne Miller, will be the officiant. Attendees are kindly asked to gather first at the Chapel Lawn Cemetery office before being guided to the interment site. Those who so wish to may place a small token of remembrance with the interment. After the service there will be a gathering to honour Ken’s life and share memories at Holiday Inn West from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Ken (aka ‘Poopdeck’, ‘Grampy’, “Dad”) will be sorely missed by his children and grandchildren and all who knew and loved him. Flowers are declined, but those who wish to, may make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or a charity of their choice in honour of Ken’s memory.

Ken’s family have entrusted his arrangements to the care of Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com