COLLINS, Kenneth William
Born on May 23, 1926 in Nadeauville, Saskatchewan and died peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital on May 28, 2015 with his wife of 65 years, Nancy, at his side. He is survived by his son John of Mission and daughter Donna of Surrey. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Charles (Xue) and Natasha (Rick) and by Joshua and Caitlin and great grandson Owen. Grandpets Missy, Lexi and Billy. Ken had many careers in his lifetime, putting his hand to anything. He was born and worked on the farm until he relocated to Vancouver working on airplanes at Boeing during WWII. He left their good employ to work with his father Bill in the mine in Nordegg, Alta. From there he moved to Sooke on Vancouver Island around 1945 and ended up working at Todd’s Fish Camp, VMD, working for Eric Butler in logging, to then begin a long career with Sooke Forest Products retiring in 1988. As well, he was a Past Master and Life Member of The Mt. Shepherd Lodge with a 50 year Pin and Life Member of Goldstream Lodge. He was also a Past Head Ranger and Life Member of the South Vancouver Island Rangers and Life Member of the Sooke Museum Society, helping Elida Peers with his knowledge of living in Sooke for 60 years. He did extensive volunteer work with all of these organizations and also with the Sooke Community Association involved with All Sooke Days of long ago. He also worked as a volunteer with the Holy Trinity Catering Guild, smoking salmon for the large events. Ken enjoyed anything outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, feeding his birds, tending his tomatoes, caring for farm animals and pets and still had time to play cards. Additionally, Ken worked renovating homes, helping his many relatives, friends and neighbours in need without hesitation. He was mentor to his grand children always showing an abundance of love (especially in teaching them salmon fishing) and also taught others how to fish. Dirk in South Africa called the other day to thank Ken for a large trout he caught Ken’s way, sadly not knowing he had just passed a few days before. He was such a good influence on those around him. He will be greatly missed for his sense of humour and by all for his many stories told of days gone by. His knowledge was self taught and extensive and he loved to share his experiences with all. Sadly, we now will have to make our own rice pudding and smoked salmon, but they just won’t be the same Dad.
Ken’s family are very grateful for the care he received always from friend Dr. Frank Gouws of Victoria and Drs. Mitchell Fagan, Leanne Park, and Rita Wittmann of Langley. A big thank you to nurses Donna, Sujla, Letty, Suki, Lina, Jane, Dan and other staff of the 3 South Central of Langley Memorial Hospital, for their friendship and loving care towards him during his long stay. A special thank you to friend and neighbour Diane Munro for her kindness to us all. A Memorial service will be announced at a later date for others to share in our loss.
“Good Night dear boy, I’ll see you in the morning”,
your loving wife, Nancy.