KENNETH (KEN) COLLIER

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KENNETH (KEN) COLLIER September 14, 1924 - June 14, 2008 Peacefully with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend silently slipped away. Ken is survived by Agnes, his beloved wife of 60 years, their cocker spaniel Mason; his daughters, Kathryn (Bob) and Tannys (Neil) and his sons, Garth (Marijka) and Graham (Brenda), grandchildren, Ross (Amanda), Allyson (Len), Keith (snowmobile buddy), Gavin, Ian, Duncan, Liam, Marc, Adam, Daylon and Alena, great-grandchildren, Caleb and Greyden. He was predeceased by his father George in 1971 and mother Olive in 1992. Ken was born, September 24, 1924 in his parents' home in Transcona. It is noteworthy that Ken was the first baby at Ottermere Lake. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. After the war he was discharged as a petty officer and worked as a Carman at the CNR retiring in 1980 with 39 years of service. In 1948 Ken married Agnes McGowan spending 60 glorious years of marriage. Dad was very actively involved in the Pirates Community Club for 25 years. The majority of his retirement years were spent with family at Ottermere, his heaven on earth . He also enjoyed the peace and serenity of Paradise Village having moved there in 1990. Being fond of travel, Mom and Dad travelled Canada; Victoria to Labrador, United States, Panama Canal, England, Scotland, parts of Europe, Japan and Australia. Dad loved boats and snowmobiles, lakes and forests; but mostly, he loved his family and friends. Ken lived his life for his wife, children and grandchildren; there was nothing that he wouldn't do for them. Although Dad called himself an atheist, the Ten Commandments were his guiding principles. His life was characterized by kindness and generosity. Dad was politically active from an early age. Tommy Douglas, Russ Paulley, Wilson Parasiuk and most recently, Bill Blaikie greatly inspired him. He firmly believed that the principles of social democracy were the foundations of Canadian society. The family would like to thank Dr. Mohammed, Dr. Tan, the good people from Cancer Care, Dr. de Moissac and the wonderful nursing staff at Ste. Anne Hospital. Special thanks to honorary pallbearers and fishing buddies Ted Davidson, Bob Mills, Bob Shannon, Duncan Jette, Ian Jette, and Gavin Rader. A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Wheeler Funeral Chapel, 211 Regent Avenue West. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cancer Care, 675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg MB R3E 0V9 or a charity of your choice. Special thoughts to Ross, Bob and Keith who are involved in the Cross Canada Cycle for Kids With Cancer. We love you Rest in Peace. MBTY. Funeral Arrangements in care of WHEELER FUNERAL CHAPEL 211 REGENT AVE. WEST 224-1525

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2008