KEN McCLELLAND

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KEN McCLELLAND Peacefully, with five of his offspring present at his bedside, Kens life came to an end three days before his 87th birthday. He was predeceased by his wife Alison in 1965, and sisters Enid and Gwen in 1976 and 1991 respectively. He will be sadly missed by his seven children: Audrey of Winnipeg, David (Lorna) and Jean Forsman (Doug) of Neepawa, Ray (Heather) of Winnipeg, Thelma (Lee Bartel) of Toronto, Ron (Vicki) of St. Albert and Lynne Ranger (Dennis) of Neepawa. He is survived also by two sisters Connie Sidwell (Ken) and Donna Coulter (Hal), 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Dad was the firstborn and only son of Edna Gillespie and Dave McClelland. He was born in Durban, Man., where he grew up and developed a variety of interests including entertaining (music, storytelling, acting etc). He completed Grade 11 and later married his high school sweetheart, Alison Sinclair, there in 1935. The times presented him with many challenges as he journeyed around Manitoba, Northwest Ontario and Baffin Island over the early years to find jobs in order to provide for his growing family. He taught himself many skills. From 1943 to 1957 he farmed and did carpenter work in the Grandview area, did construction work and learned about water and sewer installation and maintenance which he later put to use as town engineer in Neepawa and Swan River and with Indian and Northern Affairs until he retired as a collector and antique dealer back in Neepawa with wife Shirley. He enjoyed meeting and entertaining people and became well known at auction sales until he became ill and needed care. Fairness was important to him. He will be remembered fondly and quoted by many friends and acquaintances and his family. His life will be celebrated at Neepawa United Church 11:00 a.m., Friday July 7 with burial of ashes to follow at Swan River Cemetery the same afternoon. The family wishes to thank the staff at Eastview Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastview Lodge Personal Care Home, 490 Tupper Ave. S. , Neepawa in his memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2000