October 17, 1941 – October 8, 2012
at the age of 70 years
Celebration of Life: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012 1:30 p.m.
Fischer’s Funeral Services
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather,uncle, brother and father-in-law, Ken Thurston. Born in Gull Lake SK on October 17, 1941, Ken passed away on October 8, 2012 at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon, daughter Patricia, grandchildren Kyle and Tekarra, and daughter-in-law Mary Kay. Also by his sisters Berniece, Bonnie (Hans) and Mona (John) sister-in-law Lyn, and many nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his much loved son Michael, brothers Clifford and Pat, and sister Linda. Ken’s many years with the Department of Public Works, mainly based in Banff and Jasper, also took him to Vancouver Island and to the Arctic.Ken enjoyed many years of service to his community, in Jasper with Cubs of Canada, the Nancy Greene ski program and many years in Kinsmen, holding every office including District Deputy Governor. Upon moving to Salmon Arm Ken became involved with the Gleneden Community Hall Association as President. He also enjoyed his time on the Board of SARP and serving as Vice President. Ken’s love of life included curling, fishing, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and dragon boating. During his retirement years Ken enjoyed his hobby farm and his animals. Special thanks are extended to Dr Heunis, all the doctors and the caring nursing staff of Shuswap Lake General Hospital. There will be a Celebration of Life on October 17, 1:30 PM at Fischer’s Funeral Services, 4060 1st Ave. SW., Salmon Arm
Hello, Sharon and family,
Deeply saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Couldn’t bring myself to attend the service. I’ve been to too many lately. Life would be a lot nicer if we knew we were all heading on to better things. We can only hope.
Hadn’t seen too much of Ken in recent years but we had a good relationship in high school. A lot of it had to do with actual missing high school. If the day happened to be a Friday and the sun was shining, we’d go to school on the bus, grab our lunches and walk the tracks to Pierre’s Point or to Ken’s place, once taking the tractor up into the Fly Hills to shoot grouse. I can still remember the taste of one unfortunate bird which Ken fried up in the old farmhouse.
We were fairly active young guys in that age before computers. We had the use of the Gleneden Hall on Friday nights, where we played badminton, and a bunch of juvenile games. We used to treck up to Laitenen’s pond to skate and shoot the puck around, and then treck back home. Once we had big plans of bagging a goose. Those were the days before geese would come up and poop almost on your doorstep. We spent a cold night in someone’s grain shed and got up before daylight to put the plan into action. Back then, the geese had sentries posted and we couldn’t get close at all. Then we notice that Ken’s .22 ammo was so old that you could actually see the bullet in flight when we shot. Needless to say, the geese remained unscathed.
So, best wishes and happier days to you and your family, and Bonnie and Mona and families.
An old buddy of Ken’s ~ Gene LeDuc
Sharon, whatever soothes your spirit, comforts your soul and brings you peace….that’s what is wished for you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that others share in your sorrow. It was a pleasure to know Ken, a man whom many respected for his leadership qualities. We’ll always remember his sparkling smile.
In deepest sympathy, Sue Saloka and Brian Lussin.