October 2, 1985 - May 8, 2022
It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son and brother, Kenneth Walter Oliphant, on May 8, 2022. Born on October 2, 1985, Kenny was just 36 years old when he passed.
Kenny is predeceased by his grandparents, Bill and Laureen Oliphant of Sooke, BC and Walter and Elsie Chondon of Thunder Bay, ON.
Kenny is survived by his mother, Susan Oliphant, his father, Don Oliphant, his stepmother, Yolanda Oliphant, his sister, Deanna Oliphant, her partner, Alex Navickas, their son (Kenny's nephew), Leo Navickas, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Kenny had a big heart, he loved his family dearly, and his family loved him the same. He spent a good deal of his free time visiting his Dad (as they loved fishing together) and stepmom in Sooke, BC. He lived with his Mom (and his cat Mikey) in Surrey, BC for years and would travel back to visit on his days off from construction camp. Kenny had a special and incredibly strong bond with his parents and stepmom, especially in the later years of his life.
He had a big sense of adventure and loved to explore by land and sea. He loved seeking out good food, exciting places of interest and unique knick knacks, collecting and gifting many of his found treasures to family and friends. Vancouver Island held a special place in his heart and was one of his most favourite places to explore. Kenny would always know the best place for a great cup of coffee, the best trail for a walk, or the best burger in town. He was an avid cook and took great pleasure in making meals for his loved ones. He also enjoyed and loved music, having a large library of tunes from oldies to classic rock and roll.
Kenny was living in a construction camp near Hope, BC, working as a traffic technician with ATS, during construction of the Trans Canada Pipeline project, a dream job for him and a field that his mother encouraged him to move forward in.
He was very committed and found so much joy in the work he was doing and the people he worked with. He loved his job and his co-workers, who were a second family to him. He was admired by his colleagues for his good-nature, kindness and work ethic, and was respected greatly by his supervisors.
Let Kenny's passing be a reminder to all of us of the gift and fragility of life. May we honour him by living life to the fullest and with the best intentions.
We will remember Kenny for the warm, funny, good-natured, and generous person he was. He will live on in our memories and will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at the family home in Sooke, BC later this summer.