KEN WENSEL

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KEN WENSEL Peacefully, with Geri by his side, Ken passed away September 29, 2008 at Grace Hospital at the age of 62. Predeceased by his father Wilfred in 1998 and his mother Jean on September 30, 2007, Ken will always live in the hearts of his wife Geri, sister Judith (Jack Donovan) Martel, sister-in-law Sandra Kuzina along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ken graduated with a B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba and received his teaching certificate from Brandon University. Ken's entire teaching career was with the Assiniboine South School Division which included Charleswood Jr. High, Shaftsbury High and Westdale Jr. High before his retirement in 2001. He was passionate about teaching math and science and took pride in spending time with his students coaching volleyball. Over the years, he enjoyed meeting his former students and, in later years, learning from them that he was now teaching their children. Ken shared a special bond with his father in their love of the cottage at Muriel Lake. Together they spent many winters buying fishing supplies in anticipation of the following summer. Ken's boat was his pride and joy and he would spend hours either fishing or cleaning the boat for the next fishing adventure. In tribute to his memory, Ken's boat will be lovingly restored by his sister and brother-in-law and re-launched in the waters of the Okanagan where it will be named in his honor and enjoyed by extended family for many years to come. Friday nights at the lake were always about visiting with family and friends to catch up on the latest news or showing Amanda and Grace how to get bubble gum out of the machine without having to pay. Ken held a special place in his heart, not only for children, but also for the many pets he loved throughout his life - his turtle (Pokey), cats (Shadow, Serena and Bailey) and his parent's cats (Ming, Samantha and Jayde) and their dog, Happy. They were always adored and treated as respected family members. Ken considered himself very fortunate to have a group of friends with whom he shared a special bond and maintained contact with since childhood - Gord, Dave and cousin Gary - known simply as the guys . They regularly took turns hosting social gatherings and even produced their own CD of their favorite music, reminiscent of their teenage years. Tradition dictated that someone would always bring the CD and the four of them knew the words to every song. Ken recognized that enduring friendships such as these are a rarity in today's world and he forever treasured those connections. The family would like to thank the staff on 3 South at Grace Hospital for the compassionate care and attention that Ken received during his stay. Special thanks go to Dr. Borrett and Dr. Macek for their care and understanding. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be conducted. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (4000 Portage Avenue). In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2008