DR. KEN H. DOAN

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DR. KEN H. DOAN March 8, 1915 - May 2, 2003 Ken Doan was born in Toronto, where he attended Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto, graduating in 1938 with a Masters degree. Following, in the course of a research fellowship at Ohio State University, he earned a PhD by the age of 26. Returning to Canada to head a new fisheries biological station in Winnipeg, he directed federal fisheries research in the prairie provinces and the NWT. He published at length on his work, such as the recovery of Lake Winnipeg whitefish, lake surveys, and his foundation studies of the beluga whales of Churchill. In 1952 Ken turned to his other long-time personal interest, and farmed in the Balmoral Manitoba area, while serving the community as a school board member and 4-H leader. He continued his interests as a naturalist, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing, in the company of his family, former colleagues, and local friends. In 1959 Ken accepted an invitation to become Manitobas chief fisheries biologist, then director of fisheries in 1966, and additionally director of wildlife in 1968. He continued these roles throughout a number of reorganizations, until his retirement at age 65. These were years of personal and professional growth, with the birth of a daughter and the making of a large number of friends in volunteering as President of the Mid-Western Game and Fish Association for 1970, and then the International Game and Fish Association for 1975. Ken was well respected by his colleagues, and was honoured with a periodic award given in his name for excellence in fisheries research publication. In retirement, Ken and Bea lived on the family farm, where he remained professionally active as a consultant to Manitoba Hydro. He took many opportunities to enjoy the west coast salmon fishery with Bea and their close friends, and enjoyed family life with a number of grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He maintained good health, in spite of Parkinsons disease, until his final year, spent in a personal care home, where he passed away in the hospital. Cremation has taken pace, and a memorial is planned for this coming summer. Donations may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2003