After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, Ken passed away peacefully on November 17th at the age of 86 surrounded by family and very special friends.
He is survived by his partner of 42 years Dorothy Simonson, Dorothy’s daughter Bev, husband Terry and their son Kyle, his sister Lois of California and daughter Donna of Portage la Prairie. He will be greatly missed by the Simonson family, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours.
Ken was predeceased by brothers (Jack) John, Mervin, Hugh, sister Marjorie and parents Etta and Bill Belbin.
Ken was born October 31, 1931 and was raised in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. From an early age he had a talent for repairing machines and made that a lifetime career. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic until he was 80 years old; his knowledge of equipment was invaluable to customers for the companies that he worked for over the years. He worked for Construction Equipment in Winnipeg for many years.
Ken and Dorothy moved to Grosse Isle from Winnipeg, and it has been their home since 1985. He had wonderful neighbours who enjoyed his company and friendship.
Ken had a great sense of humour and a talent for making any story into a combination of jokes and comedy. He loved to entertain, and visitors were never disappointed. Ken’s humorous one liners will always be remembered and cherished.
Ken’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses for their care and compassion.
A memorial service to celebrate and remember Ken will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grosse Isle Community Hall. Private interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Portage la Prairie in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southwest District Palliative Care, Box 1282, Stonewall, Manitoba R0C 2Z0 or Cancercare Manitoba Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9.