KENNETH JOHN EPP

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

• What a privilege to have spent a couple of years playing "Herb Alpert" music in a small brass group that Ken organized and led in high school. A great, honorable friend. - Posted by: Bernie Fast (Friend in High School) on: Dec 11, 2014

• Great UMP! He always kept his cool and "laid down the law" to all those competitive christians!!! I have never seen him officiate basketball but I am sure he would conduct himself in the same manner on the court as on the diamond. I will truly miss him. - Posted by: Dennis Wiebe (Christian Men's Slow Pitch League) on: Nov 04, 2014

• Connie, Karly and Jeremy, I was so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. All the best to you and your extended family at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Talia Pura (former church colleague) on: Oct 21, 2014

• Ken was a student at MBCI while I was teaching there. A fine student who was always eager to learn. Ken was more of an artist than an athlete, but he showed me, the basketball coach, that the sport intrigued him. I suggested the possibility of officiating the sport. God only knows how much we needed good referees. Ken became a superb official and managed to convince "the old boys network" that ran the association that he was able to work at the highest level. He was very, very good. Ken was fit, knowledgeable, scrupulously honest and able to communicate with crazy coaches like me. What I will remember most was his willingness to talk with me about jazz while he was still a student. Like his wonderful family, I will miss him. - Posted by: Bruce Enns (former teacher) on: Oct 21, 2014

• We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Ken. He was not only a positive force in the world of Music Education in Manitoba, but his infectious enthusiasm was far reaching across Canada as well as south of the Border. During my visits to Manitoba, I enjoyed great conversation with Ken including an afternoon with the magnificent train set in his basement. He was proud of the growth and development of the Manitoba Band Association, as he shared many stories with me regarding the progress, success, and achievements of his fellow band directors. Clearly, he will be missed as we collect and cherish the many memories of our truly amazing friend! - Posted by: Joseph T. Alme (Friend, and Camp Director, INTERNATIONAL MUSIC CAMP -Retired) on: Oct 20, 2014

• Wishing God's comfort to Connie, Jeremy and Karly and of course Uncle John, Aunt Katie, Wendi, Murray, Christine, John, Dylan and Becky, and Loreen. The funeral for Ken was incredible! What a tribute! - Posted by: Joanne Wallace (cousin) on: Oct 20, 2014

• During my working with Ken in the past he was always a kind, considerate man. I am so sorry for your familY's loss. He was taken far too early. God Bless you all during this difficult time. Avenue Four will miss working with him. - Posted by: Vivian Harder (Worked with Ken over the last 8 years through Avenue Four printing for the MB Band Association) on: Oct 20, 2014

• I knew Mr. Epp as a basketball referee when I played in high school. He was an excellent referee, in fact I recall being happy when he officiated my games for 2 reasons - he was a good referee and I seemed to play well when we was reffing. So I viewed his presence as somewhat of a good omen. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Michael Witt Jr. () on: Oct 20, 2014

• Connie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The loss of a loved one is never easy. Know that Ken is now playing in the greatest symphony of all, the heavenly one. Sorry Jeremy, it even has Winnipeg and Detroit beat! We wish you a measure of God's strength and comfort to get through each passing day. In sympathy, Rick and Karin Klassen, Evan and Deanna Cook - Posted by: Karin Klassen (Friend and musical colleague) on: Oct 20, 2014

• Ken invited me to help teach Band at MBCI in 1982. We were colleagues from 1982-1988. I learned so much from watching him teach. I admired him for how he pursued his passion of refereeing sports and music making. His interest in me and encouragements were always appreciated. With deepest sympathies to Connie & the extended family. - Posted by: Alf Redekopp (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 19, 2014

• Ken will always be remembered as the perfect Director of MBA. His hard work and dedication put Manitoba in the forefront of all Band Associations and took us to where we are today. Even more important Ken always had the time to talk on the phone with advice and information. He was a friend to all. May God's peace surround the family at this time in knowing that we will all meet again in Heaven. - Posted by: Annette Hay (Band/Orch. Director) on: Oct 19, 2014

• I'm going to miss you Ken. My condolences to your family. The music community will miss you. Thanks for being who you were and for the times we chatted. I really appreciated the willing ear. - Posted by: Chris budlong (Colleague) on: Oct 19, 2014

• I am so very sorry for your loss. Lori, I know you thought the world of your brother. To you and your family, I wish you peace and comfort at this sad time. Marlyn Janzen (Lori's friend) - Posted by: Marlyn Janzen (friend to Lori) on: Oct 18, 2014

• Ken was a model for me in my officiating and someone who lived with great passion. Enjoy heaven until we meet again. - Posted by: Rod Giesbrecht (BB Ref) on: Oct 18, 2014

• It was my pleasure to work with Ken with the Christian Mens Slowpitch league. He took me on as a young apprentice and gave me the confidence to organize things on my own. I also appreciated his excellent and professional work as a basketball official. A great man! - Posted by: Karl Langelotz (Friend) on: Oct 18, 2014

• It is with great shock that I read the Obituary of Ken Epp's life! It was Mr. Epp that saw something in me, a talent in the rough, and not only was he able to hone it and draw it out of me... he encouraged me to run with it, and I was able to participate in the Manitoba Honor Band, one of the few high school highlights of my life! The candle has been passed on to my son, who is now in grade 10. Nathan is in two high school bands, and three choir. Next month he is travelling to New York to sing in an Oratorio. I really believe had it not been for the vision Ken placed into my life at an early age, Nathan would not be where he is today. Just as I had one of the best~ Ken Epp, Nathan now has Jeff Kula, I believe was a close associate of Ken's. Rest in peace my teacher, my friend, in the joy of your Fathers eternal peace!! Dan Riedner - Posted by: Dan Riedner (Band Student, admirer!) on: Oct 18, 2014

• I am related to Christine Longhurst. She is my sister-in-law. I didn't know Ken that well but what I knew about him he was a wondeful man. - Posted by: jeansullivan (i am realated to christine longhurst/ john longhurst. ) on: Oct 18, 2014

• Mr. Epp was one of my favorite teachers. He instilled in me a love of all things musical, so much so that when I became a teacher I also taught band. I saw him over the years at various MBA functions, always smiling and willing to help any way he could. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed. - Posted by: Monica Kornelsen (Thiessen) (former student) on: Oct 18, 2014

• Thinking of you, Connie and family.......may you experience the peace of God during this time of grieving. - Posted by: Linda Driedger () on: Oct 18, 2014

• I knew Ken as a basketball referee for many years. He was an excellent referee and a very good man; always honest, fair and willing to talk to the players. My thoughts are with his family and friends. - Posted by: Brent Corrigan (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 18, 2014

• I remember Mr. Epp as our band teacher in grade 7. My arms were not long enough yet to fully play my trombone yet somehow he taught us to play and play well. I was amazed at his sound and tone on the trumpet. We always loved it when Ken would ref our games in basketball-he was so good at it and fair. My sincere condolences to family especially John and Katie his parents - no one should have to bury a child. Yet we know that Ken is enjoying the music with the saints and angels now and we can all play some tunes together again some day. Ken has a head start on practicing. - Posted by: Hans E. Boge (former student MBCI) on: Oct 18, 2014

• I will always remember Ken for his dedication to all that he did. He always gave 110 percent no matter whether he was teaching band or playing slo pitch. He was a natural leader and a godly man. Our thoughts are with Connie and family. Godspeed Ken. You're in a better place now. - Posted by: Gerry Teigrob (former student, slo pitch team mayte) on: Oct 17, 2014

• the last ember dies a chill takes the house by moonlight -G. Swede You're in our thoughts, Ken. - Posted by: Richard Enns (Friend) on: Oct 17, 2014