KENNETH COLCOMB (KEN)

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KENNETH COLCOMB

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Colcomb on October 8, 2022, at the age of 65.
Predeceased by his parents, Ross and Shirley Colcomb, Ken is survived by his sister, Leslie Franklin (Marcel), his children, Chris and Meaghan and his nieces, Mackenzie (Evan), Lara (Tyler) and Jordan.
Ken was born in Montreal, PQ on May 3, 1957. The family moved to Vancouver and then settled in Winnipeg where Ken spent most of his childhood. He attended Sturgeon Creek High School and the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a Civil Engineering Degree in 1980. Ken excelled at his profession. He held positions as Project Engineer at Dome Petroleum in Fox Creek, AB; Engineering Supervisor at Simplot Canada in Brandon, MB; Engineering Manager at Husky Energy Gas Plant in Rainbow Lake, AB; Consulting Engineer at INCO Operations in Thompson, MB; Project Manager at AECOM in Yellowknife, NT; Consulting engineer for the Petroleum Products Division, Government of Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, NT and provided consulting support to various agencies in NT under his own company name, Colcomb Engineering. Over the years, he mentored many young technical staff and new engineers. In learning of Ken's passing, some have reached out to family to share stories of how Ken's mentorship played a role in their success.
In addition to having an analytical and mathematical mind, Ken was also incredibly creative and artistic. He was a talented musician and played piano, guitar and banjo. He found solace playing his guitar with the companionship of one of his many rescued Rottweilers. Additionally, he was skilled at carving and painting. His artwork adorns public and private collections in northern Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. Ken was an amazing cook and enjoyed nothing more than preparing a feast for family or friends.
Ken loved life in the north and embraced indigenous teachings and culture. He was honoured by his acceptance into their culture and to be provided the ability to participate in their traditions. He was humbled by the friendships he made and greatly valued the time they spent providing comfort and camaraderie in some of his dark days.
Ken was a kind, caring and loving person with a quick wit and a brilliant mind but sadly he struggled with alcoholism throughout his adult life. He sought rehabilitation many, many times but was tragically unable to escape whatever demons plagued him. As strongly as he loved his family and friends and tried desperately to live a healthy life, his illness was too debilitating. His addiction eventually took its toll on his personal relationships with family and friends as well as his career.
In his passing, we reflect on how he touched our lives but we also wonder what more we could have done. We are fraught with guilt and sadness - sadness at the loss of the incredible person Ken was when healthy and sadness for what could have been.
We have to believe he is at peace and his mind can finally rest.

Ken, we all love you so.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2022