Kenneth Arthur Smith
July 27, 1930 – November 15, 2024
With family by his side, Kenneth Arthur Smith, aged 94, passed away on November 15, 2024, at the Dryden Regional Health Center.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Elsie (Marshall); his daughters, Valerie (David Borlang), Leanne (Grant Jackson), Lisa (Mike Durocher), and Judy (Calvin Skene); his grandchildren: Jamie (Mark), Kari (Dustin), Cameron (Brittany), Marshall, Mackenzie and Sean (Morgan). He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline Ballance of Edmonton, as well as several nieces and a nephew. Ken was predeceased by his infant son Michael Arthur and his parents Frank and Dorothy Smith.
Ken was born in Winnipeg and moved to Neepawa at an early age. After leaving school Ken returned to Winnipeg and went into the plastering and stucco trade. In 1955, Ken married Elsie, sharing 69 years together. In 1958, the couple moved to Dryden, where Ken joined his father in the grocery business. His father trained Ken to become the store butcher. Ken took over the business in 1972 joining the IGA group and renaming the store Hillcrest IGA. Ken and Elsie managed the store together until 1990 when they decided to close the business and embrace retirement. Ken enjoyed many years of retirement doing what he loved best; golfing, tinkering in his shop and hooking up his 5th wheel and hitting the road with Elsie.
Ken was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose love for his family was evident in all he did. He and Elsie enjoyed many adventures together, cherishing each moment they spent with their loved ones. He enjoyed life in Dryden making many friends along the way.
The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at Dryden Regional Health Centre who cared for Ken during his short stay.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Lukes Anglican Church, 50 Van Horne Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 1C7 or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did
And who they were
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.
