June 2, 1941 - January 15, 2023
In loving memory ~
Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Ken passed away on Sunday, January 15th at the age of 81 following a battle with cancer. Ken was private with his health struggles, he never wanted to burden anyone, especially his family.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Helen; children: Josiah (Katharine) and Kathy (Michael); grandchildren: Daniel, Gavin, Lauren, Ellis, and Elijah; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Ken was predeceased by his 2 older brothers (Ed and Doug) and his older sister (Rhona), along with his parents (Joseph and Catherine).
Ken was born in 1941, in Edmonton, Alberta to parents Catherine and Joseph Lemmon. At the age of 5, Ken moved with his parents to Toronto, where he would grow up and later graduate from Lawrence Park Collegiate and Sir Wilfred Laurier University, Kitchener. While working as an underwriter, he would meet the love of his life and best friend, Helen Storry. Ken would go on to join his brother as a co-owner of an equipment rental business and later he became a successful real estate agent in Edmonton. After a long-distance romance, Ken and Helen would elope to Canmore in 1971 and celebrate shortly after with friends and family in Toronto. Ken and Helen welcomed a son, Josiah, in 1973 followed by a daughter, Katherine, in 1977. They shared many happy times together as a family, often spending weekends at Lac St. Anne or up at the mountain. The family home in West Edmonton was a busy one filled with love. Ken enjoyed spending time in the yard and working on his old '56 Mercury.
Ken's strong passion for sailing brought Helen and him to Nanaimo, B.C. in 2001. Kathy and Josiah joined them on Vancouver Island shortly after and blessed him with five grandchildren over the following 12 years. He loved being a grandfather, "a Poppy" and was so proud of each of them. And did they ever love him in return. He'd attend games and concerts and would be smiling ear to ear. Watching Poppy watch his grandchildren evoked joy that was simply contagious.
Ken also enjoyed shooting pool, collecting stamps, and socializing with friends; he was an active member of a Nanaimo pool league, Nanaimo Stamp Club, Nanaimo Power Squadron Club and 2 Probus groups (Nanaimo North and Lantzville). Ken enjoyed life!
To know Ken, was to love him. He was kind, thoughtful and had a gentle soul. He was non-judgemental and would make connections with everyone he crossed paths with. He loved to chat and share stories. He instilled true values in his children and grandchildren and would always remind them "to not sweat the small stuff." Ken loved his wife and his family so much and his loss will be hard on us all; however, his presence will always be felt and those values he instilled will live on in all of us.
A Celebration of Ken's Life will follow for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Agency at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, B.C., V8R 6V5.