DONALD KENNETH (KEN) CORMACK -

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DONALD KENNETH (KEN) CORMACK 1928 - 2007 Peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2007 Ken passed away at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. Born in Winnipeg in 1928 to Donald and Irene (nee McFarlane) Cormack, Ken grew up in the North End and attended St. John's High School. After serving as Class President and graduating in 1948 from Normal School, Ken began his teaching career in Boissevain, MB. Ken attended Bradley University and the University of North Dakota. While teaching in Grandview, MB, Ken dutifully sent letters home to Winnipeg. His trips to the post office increased after he fell for a certain postal clerk - Doris Donald, the love of his life. Ken and Doris married on June 27, 1953 and their 54 year union was filled with much love and was blessed with three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Ken, Doris, and family resided in Winnipeg where Ken celebrated 25 years teaching with the Winnipeg School Division in 1977. Ken is survived by his wife Doris and their three children: son Kevin and wife Kathy, and son Colin and his wife Jennifer and their son Caelan; son Kelly and his sons, Kyle, Noah, and Landon; and daughter Katherine and husband Rick Unruh. An only child, Ken embraced the Donald Clan - brother and sister-in-law John and Ellie (Cranberry Portage, MB); sister-in-law Mary (Grandview, MB), and brother and sister-in-law Roger and Linda (California). He cherished the love of his many nieces and nephews - Bob, Maureen, Murray and Michelle; Patricia and Don; Sandy Lynn, Jimmy, and John; Karen and Keith; Mary Ellen, Leo, and Sue; and Jenny. Ken's cousins were dear to him and he appreciated the special friendship of Joan and John Vanhoeven. Ken was predeceased by his sisters-in-law, Jen, Esther, and Minnie; brothers-in-law, Jim, Bob, Les, and Doug; his niece Colleen; his mother-in-law Matilda (Tillie); and his father and mother. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1953, Ken never allowed the disease to define him. Ken and Doris' early years together were filled with rowing escapades in the Dory Ken and gliding adventures across Manitoba's sunny skies. His love of life and incredible (if pun-filled) sense of humour along with his strong sense of family ensured that Doris and the 3 Ks experienced family holidays at Betula Lake and later at the cottage at St. Malo, and, of course, visits to Grandview. Make no mistake, life with MS is hard and throughout their loving marriage, Doris encouraged and cared for Ken. Their special bond knows no match. The family would like to thank the Emergency Room and Third Floor nursing staff at Concordia Hospital for their kind and gentle care. A special thank you to Home Care and in particular Maurico. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Ken's memory to the charity of one's choice. Funeral service will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, with Rev. George Bell officiating with an interment and reception following. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home And Reception Centre 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2007