Blackwell, Kenneth Roy
Aged 85, a resident of the Extended Care Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 10th, 2006.
Predeceased by his father Arthur, mother Florence and sister Hilda Zychowka, Ken is survived by his wife Freda (Sanford) Blackwell; son David (Patrice) of Sas-katoon; daughters Marilee Ewan of Camrose, Alberta, Bonnie (Marvin) McLachlan of Courtenay, Shirley (James) Maguire of Spruce Grove, Alberta and Natalie (Albert) Labossiere of Victoria; grandchildren Debbi McLachlan, Tim (Cyrena) McLachlan, Bobbi Jo (Sheldon) Sendecki, Nolan Morin, (Shawna Brauner) John Ewan, Yolanda Morin, Travis Blackwell, Garret Blackwell, Clayton Morin, Bryan Blackwell and David Labossiere; great-grandchildren: Ashton and Ayden Sendecki and Amber Brauner. Ken served with the RCNVR from 1942 to 1945 and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, his church choir, the Citizens’ Band (sousaphone and B Flat bass upright), the United Way, Meals on Wheels, the Christian Fellowship Congregation and provided hospital visitation. His first job was a telegram messenger for CP Rail in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, “On the job” training as a telegraph operator, then full time until he joined the Navy (RCNVR). He went back to CP Rail as a telegraph operator and T & R Chief, then spent several years in life insurance with a CLU degree. Ken then returned to CP Rail as a telegraph operator in Hardisty, Alberta and trained as Wire Chief, retiring in 1985. He enjoyed curling, attending football, hockey and baseball games, participating in Elderhostel Spring Sessions for Seniors at U of A Edmonton, camping with family by tent trailer and fifth wheel, and travelling by train, plane and ship. Viewing and Visitation will take place from COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 1101 RYAN ROAD, on Monday, April 17th at 1:00pm, followed by Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. Fellowship and refreshments will follow in the “Garden Room” of the funeral home. Special thanks to the supportive staff at ECU, Oceanview St. Joseph’s Hospital for their excellent care, especially Mr. Rick Sawatzky RN, and Chaplain Brian Ducedre for his kindness and compassion.
Should friends wish to honor Ken’s memory with a charitable donation, the family asks that the Alzheimer Society, Suite 300, 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2 be considered.