KENNETH HOWARD STEPHENSON

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KENNETH HOWARD STEPHENSON, MWO, Retired Born in the RM of Dufferin, MB June 20, 1935, only son and eldest child to parents Howard and Ada (Greenwood) Stephenson of Stephenfield, MB. Beloved husband of Edith (Ariss), Ken passed away at the Strathmore, AB Hospital on Friday, August 14, 2015 at the age of 80 years after a brief illness. Ken is survived by Edith, his loving wife of 46 years; daughter Marcia (Ted) Gerlock; grandchildren Brittney and Tyler; his sister Judie Owen; his sister Pat Boyd; mother-in-law Anne Ariss and a large extended family. Ken attended school at Stephenfield and Graysville, MB. After completing school, he served with the RCAF from 1954 to 1964 as an aero engine technician on several bases across Canada including North Bay, Cold Lake, Penhold and Trenton. From 1965 to 1975, Ken was employed as an aero engine mechanic at Bristol, Standard Aero, and as a shop foreman at CAE in Winnipeg. In 1975, Ken returned to the military when he joined 402 Air Reserve Squadron and he was promoted through the ranks to his final position as Master Warrant Officer at Air Command Headquarters, Winnipeg, from which he retired in 1991. Ken took great pride in his Air Force service and his mechanical abilities served him well during the family's many wonderful years of personal travel in their motorhome throughout Canada and the USA. Ken took much pride in the many accomplishments of Marcia and Ted and his two grandchildren, all whom he loved dearly and with whom he shared his love for the outdoors and sitting around the campfire. He and Edith created many lasting friendships as a result of their RV lifestyle. For the last 13 winters, they have resided in Wellton, AZ. Ken enjoyed many pleasant hours watching baseball, football, hockey and he rarely missed a curling game on TV. He had a keen interest in everything old and could often be found visiting museums and antique shops. Ken was predeceased by his parents; his sister Elaine and her husband Gordon Fuller; his sister Joan and her husband Ken McKinnon; brothers-in-law Lyall Owen and Ross Boyd and father-in-law George Ariss. The family wishes to thank those who have been such great friends to Ken over many years and especially to friends Brian and Marj Ireland and Debbie Wrubleski, who did much to make his final days as happy as possible. Ken, we love you dearly and will remember you always. Per Ardua Ad Astra. A private celebration of Ken's life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in Ken's memory may be made directly to the Veteran's Poppy Fund, c/o Strathmore Legion Branch No. 10, PO Box 2041, Strathmore, AB T1P 1K1 or to one's charity of choice. To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2015