WALTER KENNETH TOMPKINS (KEN) -

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WALTER KENNETH TOMPKINS (KEN) 1935 - 2009 Peacefully in the wee hours of Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, with his loving wife Alice by his side, Ken passed away at Grace Hospital. Survived by his wife Alice, of 35 years, son Kenny (Nancy), daughter Betty Ann, stepson Montie (Debbie); grandchildren, Kenny, Katie, Jamie Lynn, Michael, Jody, Cody and Jessica; brothers, Jim (Elma), Norman (Bobby), Keith, Don (Joan) and Tom, and twin sisters, Mary Anne and Muriel (Almer). Also left to mourn Ken's passing are many in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Ken was predeceased by his brothers, Bob and Fred, and sister Shirley. Ken was born July 9, 1935 and grew up in Lamont, Alberta. At the age of 17 he joined the military 408 Squadron. He married Alice in 1974 and they built their house together in Winnipeg. He then retired from the force in 1978 but the love of aircraft never waned. He went to work for Standard Areo for a short while. He then went on to do what he loved most, the outdoors, working for Braun Grain Farms for about 20 years. The love of the outdoors was evident when his children were young and he would take Kenny and Betty Ann out camping, which left them with the same love. Fishing and hunting with his many friends made Ken happy for many years. Gardening was another big love. Planting 50 tomato plants and rows and rows of vegetables, he would never wonder what Alice was going to do with all this produce. He knew he was going to share it all with family, friends and neighbours. In his later years at home he would love for them to drive around the countryside, counting the deer in the field or the geese on the water, or watching the river flow. Many thanks to all those that cared for Ken since his stroke in July of 2008 and especially the staff at the Grace Hospital. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6. Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2009