HONORARY COLONEL KENNETH WILLIAM LANGRIDGE

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HONORARY COLONEL KENNETH WILLIAM LANGRIDGE Peacefully and with dignity, Kenneth William Langridge passed away on November 11, 2015 at Riverview Health Centre. He was predeceased by his mother Amelia and father William, sisters Florence and Ellen, brother Christopher, and his daughter Elaine. He was born May 30, 1922 near Eynsford, Kent, England. Those were very tough times for the Langridge family and resources were scarce. He went to school at St. Peters and Paul and he scrounged for work at the local wheel making company, where he had an early introduction to carpentry. He also worked as a butcher's boy before his defining path in life led him to join the military during the Second World War. At the age of 15 he lied about his age and enlisted with the Royal East Kent Regiment of the Buffs to support the war effort in 1937. He served in Kent, India, Burma and the African Gold Coast. He learned many skills during his time with the military. He returned to England at the close of the war and emigrated to Canada in 1946. He travelled by ship to the United States, then crossed in to Canada through Buffalo into Niagara Falls and travelled by rail to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Armed with a letter of introduction from a war buddy, he went to the CN shops in Fort Rouge to seek employment as a carpenter. He worked there for 39 years at which time he retired as a Safety Officer. While in the employ of CN rail he met his future wife, Dorothy Reeves. They started their married life in 1954 in the house they built themselves in Charleswood. He and Dorothy had two children, Elaine and Jim. During that time Ken stayed active in the reserves and rose to the rank of Honorary Colonel. He was very proud of his work with the 17 Wing Service Battalion and his work at the museum located in Minto Armory. He also enjoyed his membership in the Legion, Scottish Right, the Masons, St. John Ambulance, the Shrine, and the Royal Military Institute. They enjoyed their gardening, and travel during retirement. He enjoyed making model ships, collecting stamps, photography and golfing. In later years, Ken was afflicted with dementia. His decline was gradual and he struggled to hold on. He ultimately lost his battle with the disease and its complications on November 11, 2015. Our heartfelt appreciation is extended to the staff who are too numerous to mention on A2 at Riverview Health Centre, including everyone from medical and nursing staff, to the aides and cleaning staff who all contributed to his care. He will be sadly missed by his wife Dorothy; son-in-law Tom; son Jim and daughter-in-law Evelyn; grandchildren, Ryan (Demi) and Amy; and numerous nieces and nephews both here and in England. Your place in our lives will not be forgotten. A memorial service will be held at Charleswood United Church on Roblin Boulevard on Thursday November 19, 2015 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society would be most welcome.
Publish Date: Nov 16, 2015

HONORARY COLONEL KENNETH WILLIAM LANGRIDGE It is with sadness we announce the passing of Honourary Colonel Kenneth William Langridge on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Longer Obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Nov 14, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2015