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KENNETH KIRTON
Born: Jan 27, 1930
Date of Passing: Jan 30, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKENNETH KIRTON Suddenly, on January 30, 2017, Kenneth Ross Kirton passed away. Ken (or Kenny K. as he was affectionately known) was born January 27, 1930, in Portage la Prairie to Gordon and Rose Kirton. Ken was predeceased by both his parents; his wife Lorraine; two sons, Gordon and Murray; his brother Gordon and two sisters, Velma and Eileen. He leaves to mourn his daughter Jonina Kirton (Gary); son Robert (Tracy) and grandchildren, Jessie, Benjamin, Caleb and Gabrielle. Right after high school, Ken joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving in the Korean War. His time as a Radar Controller led to his career as an Air Traffic Controller. Ken married Lorraine Denham in 1954 and they had four children. Even after losing his wife and two of his sons, he remained an optimistic and positive person. Ken excelled at all sports (even bowling!) but hockey was his game. He played for the Navy team as well as numerous Junior and Senior teams in Canada. While Ken no longer played hockey, he still spent as much time at the rink as possible, never missing any of his grandchildren's games. His oldest grandson, Jessie, lived in B.C., and Ken would often ask to see updates about him on Facebook. Ken loved spending time with his family and his friends at the Silver Heights Restaurant. Ken, we adored you and you will be missed by many. Memorial service will be on Monday, February 6 at 3:30 p.m. at Church of the Rock, 1397 Buffalo Place. Winnipeg, MB.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2017
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Kenneth was very kind good hearted and generous. - Posted by: Shirley Chitty (Sister in law) on: Feb 07, 2017
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It's always sad to lose another controller.Although I moved to BC many years ago I remember fondly all the gang from YWG and central region. sincerely Pat Ulicki (UR) - Posted by: Pat Ulicki (former Controllet, now retired White Rock) on: Feb 07, 2017
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"Grandpa Ken" is how I knew him, as he frequently came to pick up his grandchildren from school. His grandchildren were important to him and he was proud of them and he showed this by attending many Kindergarten to Grade 6 school events. May you all find peace and comfort with all the great memories of him. - Posted by: Ginny Taylor () on: Feb 06, 2017
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Thinking of you all at this time. My sincere condolences. - Posted by: Bernie Grona (Niece) on: Feb 06, 2017
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Kenny was a good friend of mine for many years. He truly will be missed. I am sorry, am under the weather so to speak. Will not be able to attend the service. My sincere condolences extended to the Kirton family. - Posted by: blake doerksen (friend) on: Feb 06, 2017
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Both Debbie and I have known Ken for several years through our visits to the Silver Heights Restaurant. Ken was always polite, interesting, honest, funny and we always enjoyed having great conversations with him. He always made a point of coming to our table and saying hi to us and made sure he said goodbye to us as we left or he left. We'll miss him dearly. Our condolences to the family. May he rest in peace. John & Debbie Kelly Currently out of town on vacation. - Posted by: John & Debbie Kelly (Friends) on: Feb 04, 2017
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Kenny was a good friend who always had a smile on his face. He was a good man who always had a few words of wisdom for me. I'll miss his company. All my best to your family in this time. - Posted by: David Doerksen () on: Feb 04, 2017
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I met Ken when he was a Controller in Goose Bay, Labrador, and I was a B-Stand. We spent many times sharing stories over a pint in the Squirrel Club. His insight and advice sent me on to a career in ATC. Fond memories, and sad to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Bob Willis () on: Feb 04, 2017
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Worked with Kenny in air traffic control in Winnipeg. Learned many a trick from him, he always applied common sense and casually moved air traffic along at an amazing rate. Came to know Kenny outside of work at the numerous debriefing sessions the crew would have at the Hangar after our shift. Kenny went through so much in his life but always had a smile on his face and would always offer a helping hand if required. My condolences to the family, your Dad was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all that loved him. - Posted by: ron zurba (friend) on: Feb 04, 2017