KENNETH LIONEL HOKANSON

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KENNETH LIONEL HOKANSON August 23, 1931 to February 27, 2006 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ken on February 27, 2006 with his devoted wife Marilyn by his side. Ken was born at Howardville, MB on August 23, 1931. Ken attended Woodglen and Riverton schools. The eldest of 10 children, Ken went out working at an early age, first with his father cutting birch logs for furniture wood on Hecla Island. At the age of 14, Ken worked for Marshall Hurdel on the farm then later hauling pulp and fish on Lake Winnipeg. Ken's father passed away at an early age, leaving a large family to be looked after. Ken worked for Monarch Construction of Riverton and was proud to have been part of a company doing the first ditch work on the Red River Floodway. In winter, Ken worked for Sigferson Transportation. He spent 24 winter seasons freighting on Lake Winnipeg. Ken also worked for the province as a grader operator. Ken met Marilyn Van Mol when Monarch Construction was building the NO. 18 highway north of Ninette. Ken and Marilyn were married in 1960 and continued to move around Manitoba wherever the work took them. They made many life long friends in this venture. In 1973, they purchased their first gravel truck at an astounding price of $8800, along with a box for $2500, and NO taxes. He was in business. The company is San View Trucking. Ken's philosophy was that a handshake could seal any deal, and he was respected for his honesty and his integrity. Despite running a busy and successful company, Ken and Marilyn devoted many volunteer hours to the community of Ninette, working on the Happy Land Campground and the Pelican Lake Development Corporation. Ken loved to go sailing with his buddy Harvey Bergner. Kind and soft spoken, his friendship was cherished. Children especially took to him and felt comfort in his presence. His quiet and gentle strength will be remembered by all who knew him. Ken battled with cancer for the last three years but continued to work right up to the time he started treatment in October, 2005. Ken was predeceased by his father Carl; his brothers, Roddy and Clifford; and his sister Alice. Ken will be forever remembered by his wife Marilyn; his children, Beverly (Jack), Pam (Norm), Claudette, Carl, Ian (Mel), Lorin (Teree) and Lois (Terry); and his grandchildren, Tracy, Jonathon, Tyler, Candas, Zack, Sean, Bradshaw, Kalbie and Jarek; and six great-grandchildren. His mother Evelyn; his sisters, Inez (Lee), Lillian, Josephine (Beggie) and his brothers, Dale (Phyllis), Lynn (Linda) and Charles (Valerie) and numerous nieces and nephews will also remember him. A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ridge Conference Centre (formerly the Sanitorium) in Ninette, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's name to the Pelican Lake Development Corporation in care of Leona Miller, Ninette, MB R0K 1R0.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2006