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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
REAVIE, Kenneth Colin (Ken) - passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren, in the serenity of the Irene Thomas Hospice in Ladner BC. On a beautiful spring day, the sun shining and birds singing, we lost our family's amazing patriarch. Ken chose to leave with dignity. The family is so thankful for the BC MAID program that allowed his wishes to be fulfilled.
Previously deceased by his cherished wife of 63 years Lita Mary, left to hold in their hearts Ken's laughter, love, and wonderful stories and memories are his family: children Gary (Fionnuala), Linda, Nancy, Ron (Tom), grandchildren David (Roberta), Andrew (Aidan), Devon (Amy), Shanel (Tyson), Dane (Brooke), and four great-grandchildren.
Ken was born on a farm near Rocanville, Saskatchewan. His family moved to Arborfield in northern Saskatchewan in 1930. Determined to finish his high school education but living too far from town to get to school each day, Ken spent two years (including the prairie winters!) living in a grainery just outside town. As an adventurous 18 year old Ken and his best friend, with only a few coins in their pockets, spent a summer hopping freight train box cars to travel across Canada from Manitoba to BC and back. Ken spent two years in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. In 1949 he married Lita Mary (deceased 2013), and in 1950 he graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Pharmacy. He owned and operated several pharmacies in Manitoba including in Stonewall and Lundar, before moving to Russell where he and Lita spent 23 years raising their close-knit family, building a successful business, travelling the world, developing many life-long friendships, contributing their time and passion to many volunteer and community initiatives and being devoted to their children. The entire family has so many happy memories of the "Russell Days"; memories that are frequently, fondly and laughingly recounted to this day. In 1973 Ken obtained his private pilot license, had two planes and loved to fly.
Ken joined the Masons in 1951, Scottish Rite in 1980, and Gizeh Shriners in 1983 (BC and Yukon chapter) where he played the glockenspiel with the Drum and Bugle Corps for decades. In Russell, Manitoba, he was president of the Chamber of Commerce, spent four years as Deputy Mayor, was Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District #5, and was actively involved in the development and operation of the Russell golf club, curling club, ski club, recreation centre and Legion. Ken was a founding director of the Russell Inn and Convention Centre. He spent four years on the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association and was a member of the Pharmacy Examining Board in the Canadian Pharmaceutical Society.
Retiring to Tsawwassen BC in 1978, Ken and Lita were devoted to their children and grandchildren and loved to travel and volunteer. Ken was a cancer car volunteer driver for 11 years. He often said it was one of his most fulfilling experiences. Ken and Lita had several motorhomes, circum-navigated Canada and the US, drove the Alaska Highway to Inuvik, camped all over BC and spent many winters in Arizona. Ken enjoyed skiing and golfing with his children and grandchildren, curling, gardening and playing bridge. A true gentleman, a man of integrity, a devoted and loving husband and father, Ken was a man none of us wanted to disappoint. There is a hole in our hearts.
Sincere thanks to the staff at the Irene Thomas Hospice for your care and compassion, to the many doctors, nurses and health care staff who looked after Ken at Delta Hospital, and to the amazing social workers, nurses and doctors with the MAID program who granted Ken and our family Dad's final wish. Special thanks to Francine and Roger for your close and true friendship with Ken over the last 10 years. Your support and love over the last few weeks meant so much to Dad and to the family.
At Ken's request there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be planned for family members at a later date. Cremation arrangements handled by Delta Funeral Home, Ladner.
Donations in memory of Ken Reavie can be made to the Irene Thomas Hospice via the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation. (The Delta Optimist 28 Mar 2024)
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