July 22, 2022
On July 22nd, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad and friend, Ken Smith.
Ken was born in Maidstone, England. After serving with the R.A.F during WWII, he immigrated to Canada in 1947, where he met and married his soulmate, Pam. He lived an exemplary life, full of love and laughter, and everyone who knew him fell for his charm and great sense of humour.
Ken was a proud Canadian who also loved his British heritage. He was honoured every year at Remembrance Day ceremonies, and although he didn't like to talk about the war years, we are all very proud of his belief in service. Ken was a valued volunteer for almost 20 organizations such as Fort Langley as Mr Yale, the Air Museum as a former pilot, the Scouts of Canada, the town of Langley, and many more civic groups and organizations. He was also a popular presenter in elementary schools as Mr Yale, a War Veteran and even Santa Claus.
Ken was always one for adventure and great experiences. From moving the whole family to Malaysia where they embraced the culture and foods to hot air ballooning at 70, skydiving at 80 AND 90, to taking advantage of every opportunity to learn or experience something new - like beer pong at a family wedding! Ken's passion for travel and adventure is a legacy he passes on to his family.
Ken loved music - old, recorded, and live. He and Pam loved to dance, and he still enjoyed cutting a rug at Christmas and New Year's parties. Ken's wit and sense of humour always shone through. He loved watching people and enjoyed sharing stories with the young and old.
The family takes comfort in knowing he didn't suffer long after almost 98 years of independence. He loved his family and friends and thoroughly enjoyed every day. He always said, "I am a lucky man."
He is predeceased by his wife Pam and his daughter Joan (Bruno). Survived by sons Ken (Cathi), Ted (Nadine) and Tom (Anne), grandchildren, Jason, Jenn, Brandon, Alana, Mitchell, Caitie, Cody, Scott, and his great-grandchildren Jesse, Ellie, Vivi, and Tom.
Forever, we will drink a toast to our beloved Dad, Grandad, and Great-Grandad at every family gathering as we know he will be there in spirit. But the best part is, he will enjoy a drink with Pam and Joan as they watch over us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Museum of Flight where Ken enjoyed volunteering.
"Slainte mhath"
(slan-ge-var)