Obituary for Kenneth Kolesar
Kenneth Frederick Kolesar
September 27, 1951 - March 11, 2021
Ken took flight in the early morning hours of March 11th, joining his angel babies, Lisa Marie (1988) and Anthony David (1991). Left to mourn are his beloved wife Priscilla, his cherished daughter Krystyna (Shawn, Riley), sister Noreen (Wayne, Scott, Travis & Brittany), and brothers Robert (Patti, Ben, Becki & Josh, and Sara & Jason), and Rick (Pam, Alexander & Julie, Robyn & Jeff, and Reid). Also missing Ken are Priscilla's siblings - Dave (Carol), Dan (Mary), Phyllis (Chris), Lou (Barb), Henry (Lucille), Burt (Irene), Bernie (Mildred), and Frank; his best friend Jens and family Marion, Ed, Tom and Eric as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Isobel, and his parents-in-law, Frank and Bertha Friesen.
Ken was born in Neepawa, and moved with his family to Macdonald, where he started school. After living in Edmonton for a few years while his dad was in the Air Force, the family moved back to Manitoba in 1963, and the next year they purchased a farm in Minnedosa, where Ken lived until he finished high school. He then earned his machinist's papers at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, and eventually his Tool and Die Maker's certificate in 2002 from Red River College. He worked at Monarch Industries in Winnipeg for many years, retiring in 2017.
From an early age, Ken loved to learn, and he loved to read - entire encyclopedias, the Bible, history - anything he could get his hands on that would expand his impressive scope of knowledge. He was well versed in a multitude of topics and would carry on interesting conversations about almost anything. His nieces and nephews always liked to talk to their Uncle Ken - he was a great listener and showed a sincere interest in their activities and lives and his wicked sense of humour kept them chuckling. He was a calm, steadying presence, and very rarely raised his voice or lost his temper.
Outside of work, Ken had an impressive range of interests. He earned his glider's pilot license and became a member of the Winnipeg Gliding Club and a member of the Manitoba Live Steamers and was building a replica of the Prairie Dog Central at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Winnipeg Small Car Club, where he met Priscilla in 1979.
After marrying in 1980, Ken and Priscilla lived in Minnedosa, Regina, and Winnipeg. In 1998, with 4-year-old Krystyna, they moved to Stonewall, where they enjoyed the small-town atmosphere. They loved to camp, take road trips on summer holidays, visit with their large extended family, (where he was always the first to roll up his sleeves to do dishes after a big meal), and just be together. Ken was a doting father to Krystyna - never missing a dance recital, school event, or sporting activity, helping with her schoolwork, and encouraging her in every facet of her life. For Priscilla, Ken was her soul mate - they were just settling into their retired life when Ken was taken so suddenly.
He will be forever deeply missed and loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Manitoba Live Steamers would be appreciated.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!" - Hunter S. Thompson.
There will be a private memorial service, by invitation only, on September 27th, at 2pm. The service can be viewed on Ken’s memorial page at mackenziefh.com.
September 27, 1951 - March 11, 2021
Ken took flight in the early morning hours of March 11th, joining his angel babies, Lisa Marie (1988) and Anthony David (1991). Left to mourn are his beloved wife Priscilla, his cherished daughter Krystyna (Shawn, Riley), sister Noreen (Wayne, Scott, Travis & Brittany), and brothers Robert (Patti, Ben, Becki & Josh, and Sara & Jason), and Rick (Pam, Alexander & Julie, Robyn & Jeff, and Reid). Also missing Ken are Priscilla's siblings - Dave (Carol), Dan (Mary), Phyllis (Chris), Lou (Barb), Henry (Lucille), Burt (Irene), Bernie (Mildred), and Frank; his best friend Jens and family Marion, Ed, Tom and Eric as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Isobel, and his parents-in-law, Frank and Bertha Friesen.
Ken was born in Neepawa, and moved with his family to Macdonald, where he started school. After living in Edmonton for a few years while his dad was in the Air Force, the family moved back to Manitoba in 1963, and the next year they purchased a farm in Minnedosa, where Ken lived until he finished high school. He then earned his machinist's papers at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, and eventually his Tool and Die Maker's certificate in 2002 from Red River College. He worked at Monarch Industries in Winnipeg for many years, retiring in 2017.
From an early age, Ken loved to learn, and he loved to read - entire encyclopedias, the Bible, history - anything he could get his hands on that would expand his impressive scope of knowledge. He was well versed in a multitude of topics and would carry on interesting conversations about almost anything. His nieces and nephews always liked to talk to their Uncle Ken - he was a great listener and showed a sincere interest in their activities and lives and his wicked sense of humour kept them chuckling. He was a calm, steadying presence, and very rarely raised his voice or lost his temper.
Outside of work, Ken had an impressive range of interests. He earned his glider's pilot license and became a member of the Winnipeg Gliding Club and a member of the Manitoba Live Steamers and was building a replica of the Prairie Dog Central at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Winnipeg Small Car Club, where he met Priscilla in 1979.
After marrying in 1980, Ken and Priscilla lived in Minnedosa, Regina, and Winnipeg. In 1998, with 4-year-old Krystyna, they moved to Stonewall, where they enjoyed the small-town atmosphere. They loved to camp, take road trips on summer holidays, visit with their large extended family, (where he was always the first to roll up his sleeves to do dishes after a big meal), and just be together. Ken was a doting father to Krystyna - never missing a dance recital, school event, or sporting activity, helping with her schoolwork, and encouraging her in every facet of her life. For Priscilla, Ken was her soul mate - they were just settling into their retired life when Ken was taken so suddenly.
He will be forever deeply missed and loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Manitoba Live Steamers would be appreciated.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!" - Hunter S. Thompson.
There will be a private memorial service, by invitation only, on September 27th, at 2pm. The service can be viewed on Ken’s memorial page at mackenziefh.com.