KENNETH ARNOLD RANSON

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KENNETH ARNOLD RANSON

June 1, 1930 – April 27, 2024

It is with intense sadness, that we announce the passing of Ken Ranson on April 27, 2024, at the age of 93, while at the Grace Hospital.

Ken was born on Sunday, June 1, 1930, in a farmhouse in Gregg, MB to parents William Edgar and Mary Jane (Foster) Ranson. When Ken was three, the family moved to a farm south of Carberry and later he and his older brother Lorne Henry made the daily two-mile trek to Linwood School. Growing up in the 1930’s was challenging, with food and money scarce. The family faced even more hardship when Ken was 12, as his father passed away suddenly. This led to his mother selling the farm and relocating the family to the town of Carberry to live with her mother Lena. Sadly, Lorne died eleven months later at the age of 16.

To ease the family’s financial stress, Ken went to work at age 15. For two years he planted trees for the Forestry Department during the warm months, then shoveled coal in winter to heat army barracks in Shilo. In the spring of 1947, Ken worked for Manitoba Hydro, digging holes for power lines. Shortly thereafter, he learned from friends that the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) was hiring and paying 10 cents an hour more. Ken walked to the supervisor’s home, introduced himself, and was hired on the spot. He began working for MTS at age 17 on June 10, 1947, and was with the company for over 40 years, retiring in 1987.

Ken began his MTS career as a linesman, installing pole lines across Manitoba, bringing phone service to many for the first time. He lived in tents/trailers and moved from town to town with his crew. On August 16, 1949, Ken became the youngest MTS foreman at age 19. On January 2, 1956, he was promoted to Construction Manager of the Eastern Region of the province. This role required him to respond to storm breaks both day and night, in all kinds of challenging weather. He also oversaw the construction of five dikes during the 1969 flood to protect affected MTS buildings and towers. In March of 1970 Ken was promoted to Automotive and Equipment Manager for the province. He oversaw the purchasing and maintenance of 1106 vehicles, including cars, trucks and construction equipment, as well as 188 communication towers. His work with MTS gave him great satisfaction, as he solved a multitude of problems in innovative and practical ways.

While Ken was working in the Beausejour area as a foreman, he met his future wife, Ruth. Together, they had four children and were married for 51 years. In 1957, they purchased a home on Clifton Street and raised their family. Ken was always quick to lend a helping hand to neighbours, offering car-related advice, or assisting with repairs and had the tools for any kind of work. Ken helped many people in various walks of life, without any questions asked.

Ken had various interests and hobbies. He enjoyed working on cars, building cottages and later bought and renovated homes. He and Ruth enjoyed travelling extensively for business and pleasure. They cruised/travelled the world to places such as Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, the Caribbean, Cuba, Germany, the Holy Land, the Mediterranean, Mexico and Turkey. Ken was also a member of the Millenium Masonic Lodge 182 for over 57 years, and donated over 100 wheelchairs to the Grace Hospital, St Amant and Deer Lodge Centres. Ken was still living independently prior to hospitalization.

Ken was predeceased by his parents William and Mary Jane (Foster) Ranson, brother Lorne, stepfather Reg Jardine, daughter Donna, and Ruth. He leaves to mourn his passing, daughters Carolyn (Bill), Brenda (Bill) and son Ken Jr, brothers Ross and Glen, as well as grandchildren Jacqueline (Brett), Katheen (Kirill) and Christine, and great-grandchildren, Ivan, Alice, Viktor and Betty.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald St., Winnipeg, with viewing at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Jake Froese officiating. Light refreshments to follow.

The family would like to thank staff at the Grace Hospital, especially Dr’s. George and Joshua for their professional and compassionate care of our father.

“Til We Meet Again!”

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2024, May 04, 2024