KEN BROWNRIDGE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KEN BROWNRIDGE Ken Brownridge passed away at the Grace Hospice early Saturday evening, March 15, 2014 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife Irene, his sons Alan (Donna), Stephen (Susan), grandchildren Michael, Jennifer, Jane, Tanis, Christine, and Ahmed, brother Clifford (Noreen), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Gerry, and sister Dorothy. He was born in England in 1921, and grew up during the pre-war years with two younger brothers Gerry and Clifford and an older sister Dorothy. All three brothers took a keen interest in politics and the art of political debate. Growing up in Manchester, support for the Labour Party and the working man ran strong through all three brothers. Family gatherings were never dull and occasionally animated due to strong, differing opinions on the issues of the day. Neither age or time put much of a dent in the inevitable debates that ensued at family gatherings - all that changed was the number of participants as kids and even grandkids joined the mix. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Ken was drafted into the Royal Air Force and trained as an air gunner - a particularly hazardous position given the very high casualty rates of R.A.F. bomber crews. But fate intervened. He was involved in a minor infraction throwing a bucket of cold water over a non commissioned officer. In order to avoid disciplinary action, he volunteered to join a R.A.F. contingent heading for India and Burma and the war against Imperial Japan. He became part of the flight crews that supplied the British 14th army by air until the end of the Burma campaign and the end of the war against Japan. He was away from England for over five years, but always said he had a good war, and talked extensively about the many places he saw throughout the far east. After returning to civilian life in 1946, it wasn't long before he met his future wife Irene Louise Stevens. Rene and Ken enjoyed a long an remarkable marriage. They were a popular couple never without an abundance of wonderful friends particularly in Canada after the family immigrated to Winnipeg in 1957. Ken would often say that the best decision he ever made was to immigrate to Canada. The opportunities and quality of life in Canada far exceeded those available in England at the time. He was always grateful to his brother Cliff for instigating the move. He started playing golf in England, but got hooked on the game after immigrating to Canada. He became a member of the Winnipeg Canoe Club initially, but moved to Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in the mid 1960s. His passion for the game and his love of Elmhurst can't be understated. Ben Hogan was his hero and the bible in the Brownridge family became Hogan's book "Five Lessons". After retiring, he became a founding member of the infamous golf group Club 84. He played at Elmhurst for over 40 years, and played his last game when he was over the age of 90. While he had a series of different jobs in England, including double decker bus driver, his entire working career in Canada was with Caterpillar dealer Powell Equipment. He retired in 1982. At the time he was the manager of the parts department. Browny was always a popular guy at Powells making many friends that he stayed in contact with after his retirement. He and Rene enjoyed a wonderful retirement - golfing at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club during the summer months and beating the winter's cold for a few months most often in the pan handle area of north Florida. Ken's retirement coincided with the arrival of grandchildren. Both he and Rene were devoted grandparents to their six grandchildren - Mike and Jen in Winnipeg, and Jane, Tanis, Christine, and Ahmed in Calgary. Mike and Jen were particularly lucky to have lived so close to their grandparents while growing up. Few weeks went by with out either spending some part of the week with grandma and grandad and enjoying the benefits of grandparent affection. Ken and his grandson Mike were great fans of NFL football. After being a Vikings fan for years, Ken quietly changed his allegiance to Brady and the Patriots. It was never clear what caused this sudden change of allegiance, but the Patriots became "my boys", and his boys always seemed to find a way to win. Perhaps it was the generation he came from, but Ken always had a great sense of fair play and looking out for those who were not well off. He often remarked that back in England, in his day, home town fans at soccer games often applauded good plays by the opposing team. He lived modestly, and was thoughtful of others. In his final months of life, he was always very grateful for the care he received at the Grace Hospice, and by all accounts the staff of the Grace were touched by his presence. Needless to say his family members were also very grateful for the care he received. If he was here today, he would be the first to admit that at age 92, he "had his good innings". But still, we will all miss him. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army - or the Sally Ann as Browny called them.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2014